While the vast majority of hackers may be disinclined towards violence, it would only take a few to turn cyber terrorism into reality.

Systems are complex, so controlling an attack and achieving a desired level of damage may be harder than using physical weapons.

Cyber terrorism could also become more attractive as the real and virtual worlds become more closely coupled, with automobiles, appliances, and other devices attached to the Internet.

Although cyber attacks have caused billions of dollars in damage and affected the lives of millions, few if any can be characterised as acts of terrorism.

While many hackers have the knowledge, skills, and tools to attack computer systems, they generally lack the motivation to cause violence or severe economic or social harm.

Further, the next generation of terrorists will grow up in a digital world, with ever more powerful and easy-to-use hacking tools at their disposal.

I think most organizations have an interest in key recovery, at least with respect to stored data.