The United Kingdom's Special Forces have been deployed to London's streets on terror alert, after learning that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) jihadist extremist group is using the Sony PlayStation 4 network to recruit members and plan terrorist attacks. It follows the brutal Paris attacks on November 13, Friday, whose death toll of at least 129 people was the largest in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings.
England's security move is the UK's largest since the 2005 London bombings. Following the Paris attacks, several police raids were conducted in the close city of Brussels, Belgium. At least one PS 4 console turned up as evidence, according to Forbes.
Intelligence officials believe that Belgium is the terror plot's hub. It is theorized that they are using the gaming consoles as a communications tool. Experts have explained that ISIS is using PS4 because it is more secure than the WhatsApp instant messenger.
Jan Jambon is Belgium's Minister of Home Affairs. He reported that officials believe ISIS terrorists are communicating by using a secret recruitment channel. They are using an encryption-protected "cyber caliphate" to plan their next terrorist attacks.
British Special Forces have been deployed to some of the capital city's biggest landmarks and busiest spots. The move follows a gunman shooting 89 French people at the Bataclan concert hall, while others were shot dead at 5 other restaurants and bars throughout Paris. ISIS has already claimed responsibility.
A security expert has revealed that the ISIS terrorists are "2 or 3" steps ahead of the UK government, according to Daily Mail. They are using encrypted CPU software and burning all old messages. Many of the ISIS fighters are highly-educated Westerners with training about complex digital technology.
The latest PlayStation console is relatively low-tech. However, it might offer a more secure way for ISIS terrorists to communicate than encrypted texts, calls, and email. Options could include PlayStation Network (PSN) messages, voice chatting, and communicating through a particular game.