Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes. There are two categories of terrorism in the United States; domestic terrorism and international terrorism. 

Domestic Terrorism includes violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups acting on domestic influences such as political, religious, social, racial, or environmental beliefs. Their goal is to create immediate focus of their ideological goals through media coverage and instilling havoc, anger and fear in the public. 

International Terrorism is defined by violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups who are inspired or influenced by or associated with a designated foreign terrorist organization or state-sponsored nation(s).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security each have many different resources that the general public and citizens can utilize to prepare, be aware of and report suspicious activities in their communities. 

Another type of terrorism is Cyberterrorism.  As the world becomes more reliant on technology, we all become more vulnerable to cyber attacks and/or cyberterrorism.  Cyberattacks or cyberterrorism are malicious attempts to access or damage computers or a network system.  These events can result in the loss of money or theft, personal financial and medical information for individuals.  Governmental, businesses, and infrastructure attacks can result in the shut down of major utilities, computer systems that operate critical equipment such as hospitals, law enforcement and emergency services.  There are many agencies that protect against and investigate cybersecurity attacks such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Secret Service Other agencies such as the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Motor Vehicles also have staff to assist in the event of a cyberattack.