This article is an explanatory walk-through of key terms and definitions for understanding the threat of cyber terrorism. It discusses how terrorists now use cyber-capabilities to threaten human life and achieve objectives that they used to achieve in purely the physical domain. Something that seems like a minor phishing attack could actually be a front for a much larger and more serious terrorism strategy. The article explains the difference between different types of hackers. The article explains how the government uses hired hackers to protect its systems and what the objectives are for all parties involved. It also briefly touches on “hacktivism” and discusses the legality of different cyber attacks.