The Syrian Electronic Army – a hacktivist group
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society
ISSN: 1477-996X
Article publication date: 9 May 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to assess the hacktivist group called the Syrian Electronic Army and determine what their motivations in terms of ethical and poetical motivations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper looks at chronological examples of Syrian Electronic Army activities and assess them using a developed hacktivist criteria to try and gain a greater understanding of the motivations of the Syrian Electronic Army. The paper uses a netnography research approach.
Findings
This paper determines that the Syrian Electronic Army is motivated to protect the Syrian Government. This protection is highlighted by the new media and social media organisations that the Syrian Electronic Army attacks online.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focuses only on one group the Syrian Electronic Army.
Practical implications
A greater understanding of the Syrian Electronic Army.
Social implications
A greater understanding of the development of hacktivism.
Originality/value
A unique study into the motivation of the Syrian Electronic Army.
Keywords
Citation
Warren, M. and Leitch, S. (2016), "The Syrian Electronic Army – a hacktivist group", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-12-2015-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited