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James Scott, a fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), has said much more needs to be done to tackle extremism, particularly online. The emerging profile of terrorists in the UK paint a picture of ideologically driven outsiders who are radicalised by propaganda found on the web, as it was revealed the Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was brainwashed online in the UK. Mr Scott said: “Self-polarised lone wolf threat actors are the new profile of terrorists of all varieties and denominations across the globe. “Before the internet, troubled individuals often did not radicalise to the point of action because in order to do so they had to physically identify, locate, and connect with a tangible local congregation of like-minded individuals.

GETTY The emerging profile of terrorists in the UK are radicalised by propaganda

“Now on the Internet, radicalisation can occur instantly and anonymously within significantly larger and more geographically distributed groups. “Statistically, physical membership in hate groups has actually diminished because troubled lone wolves can instantly gratify and cultivate their radical beliefs, they can remotely plan their attacks with online resources (Google Maps, etc.).” They use a network of message boards, encrypted messengers, and the deep web to reach out and find others who believe in a similar ideology.

GETTY Security and intelligence agencies need to beef up and expand their cyber programmes

But Mr Scott warned that taking down one website will only lead to the extremists setting up new URLs or chat rooms, and a different approach was needed to root out potential terrorists. Identifying extremists before they carry out an attack was key, he said, and outlined the type of vulnerable person likely to be brainwashed by propaganda. He said: “Self-radicalising lone wolf threat actors are isolated and troubled individuals seeking a sense of community and purpose.

London Bridge terror: Scenes as armed police respond Sun, June 4, 2017 At least two people have died after being after reportedly being struck by a van on London Bridge on Saturday night. Play slideshow GETTY 1 of 7 Armed police responding to the incident at London Bridge

It is likely that similar incidents will continue James Scott

“Lone wolf threat actors feel isolated and turn to the internet for community and purpose. “Their online accounts exhibit behaviours of seeking attention, polarisation, and further isolation. “Once they feel that they can no longer communicate with the online communities of their past, their only outlet becomes the radicalisation network which capitalises on their seclusion and desire for attention, renown, or purpose.

GETTY A template for the London Bridge attacks was published by terrorist magazines

“Lone wolf threat actors often research, recruit, and discuss their attacks within radical online communities prior to actually launching the physical attack because at their root, they desire recognition and a like-minded community more than they believe in their actions. “These are troubled individuals who want to be remembered for something and they often seek affirmation that someone in some online community will remember their narrative.” And while they succeeded, he said more would likely follow.

Security and intelligence agencies need to beef up and expand their cyber programmes, while not infringing on the freedoms enjoyed by the public, to crack down on would-be terrorists, he said. A template for the London Bridge attacks was published by terrorist magazines before the attack, and Mr Scott said: “An ISIS publication published articles urging Western readers to utilise rented trucks and handheld weapons in multistage public attacks. “The article included infographics and characteristics of vehicles and physical weapons to avoid. “This template almost definitely influenced the London Bridge and other recent attacks.

GETTY Some publications glorify the perpetrators, appealing to the vulnerable

“It is likely that similar incidents will continue to occur so long as they continue to succeed.” In addition these publications glorify the perpetrators, appealing to the vulnerable at risk of being brainwashed as they promise “infamy and purpose to those who have none”. He said “law enforcement, domestic policy, and mental health fields” need to work smarter - and together- to find radicals before they get the chance to unleash terror. Specific hashtags, code words, unique communications should be subject to increased scrutiny, as opposed to mass surveillance of the general population.