Terrorism in the News
Coder Sentenced to 7 ½ years
A Chicago college student was sentenced to 7 ½ years for attempting to assist ISIS. The individual designed used and taught a computer program to disseminate violent propaganda online.
Further Reading:
What Happens When You Leak Classified Information?
On the List
The Biden Administration has placed a Russian paramilitary organization on a list of religious freedom violators. The Russians Wagner group has been included in the list for activities in the Central African Republic. The Wagner Group is run by Yevgeny Priogozhin, and has been accused of numerous human rights abuses throughout Africa
Coming Home
A woman from Alabama who joined the Islamic State is 2014 is hoping to return to the United States. She now regrets her decision to leave the US and hopes to come home and become an advocate against extremism, stating that she was brainwashed. Her citizenship was revoked in 2016 by the Obama Administration, and was upheld by the Trump administration and keeps her from returning to the US.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/alabama-woman-who-joined-isis-hoping-allowed-back-us
Further Reading:
Preventing Violent Extremism
For Sale on Ebay
German researchers purchased biometric capture devices on Ebay and found sensitive data stored on the memory cards of the US Military. The data included fingerprints, iris scans, photographs, names, and descriptions. The data was mainly from Iraq and Afghanistan. On just one memory device they found data from 2,632 people.
Terrorism in the News
Russians Hack the FBI
The recent cyber attack on the FBI in November 2022 has been claimed by the Russians. The hacking group known as Killnet. They posted photos on their social media account of a failed attempt to gain access to the FBI site. Killnet has been responsible for other incidents this year including the attack on several US airports, other US state government websites, and Lockheed Martin.
Meddling in US Government
The United Arab Emirates has been attempting to meddle in US politics for decades, and have recently attempted to employee former US intelligence officials to watch American leaders. Methods of persuasion have included campaign contributions, lobbying susceptibility, and disclosure laws being relaxed. There have allegedly been 3 former intelligence and military officials that have been hired to surveil politicians, journalists, dissidents, and US companies. In some situations they have been breaking into computers to gain information. The individuals were charged in court and had to pay reparation fees, but did not serve jail time.
Supplying China
Three individuals in Kentucky were charged with wire fraud, violations of the Arms Export Control Act, and smuggling of goods in connection with China. The items included in the smuggling were controlled defense related technical data, and supplying US DoD with Chinese made earth magnets for aviation systems and military items. The incidents occurred between January 2012-December 2018. They planned to send 70 drawings of export controlled technical data to a company in China without US authorization. These allegations fall under the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The items are used for aviation, submarine, radar, tank, mortars, missile, infrared, thermal imaging targeting systems and fire control systems for the DoD. The company that sold Chinese made rare earth magnets was called Quadrant Magnetics.
Further Reading:
Basics of export control
Hamas and Espionage
The terror group Hamas has now emerged as a new cyber espionage entity. The development of their cyber capabilities poses a threat for Israel, Palestine Authority, and US interests in those regions. These attacks have exposed Israel’s military secrets, infiltrated the law enforcement apparatus, and emergency services network. Hamas recently displayed their newfound power in April to attack different Israeli networks. The Atlantic Council, overseeing the group, states that their methods are similar to that of Russia.
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/hamas-emerges-as-newest-cyber-espionage-powerhouse/
Navy couples Classified Conspiracy
A US Navy nuclear engineer and his wife have been sentenced to about 20 years in prison. They were attempting to sell classified design information of a nuclear warship to a foreign country for cryptocurrency. The engineer was sentenced to more than 19 years, and his wife was sentenced to more than 21 years. The couple coordinated to drop off SD cards with classified data about Virginia class submarines to a person, they believed, was a foreign government.
Further Reading:
Espionage
Terrorism in the News
Al Qaeda Has not Regrouped in Afghanistan
An intelligence report has found that al Qaeda members have not reconstructed a presence in Afghanistan since the withdrawal last August, and that only long term members have stayed in country. In addition to that, they have no current methods of attacking the US. Some other agencies feel that this view is optimistic and that the situation is still fluid and could change at any moment. The assessment was done after the drone strike on the Al Qaeda top leader, Ayman al- Zawahri.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/al-qaeda-afghanistan.html
ISIS remains a global and evolving threat.
The UN Security Council feels that the terrorist group is still a concern and still maintains the ability to exploit conflict dynamics, government frailties, and the ability to incite, plan and organize terrorist attacks. In addition, they have exploited pandemic restrictions, misused digital spaces for recruitment, and have significantly increased the usage of unmanned aerial systems.
Terrorism caught at the border
Customs and Border Patrol has detained 10 suspected terrorists at the US-Mexico boundary in July. In recent months there has been an increase in fentanyl crossing the border. It has been reported that 2,072 pounds of fentanyl have been confiscated at the border in July. Issues with illegal crossings has been going down in recent months but still boasts around 200,000 people.
https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/aug/15/agents-nab-10-more-terrorism-suspects-southern-bor/
Further Reading:
DHS Preventing Terrorism
Arrested for Threatening FBI Personnel
A Pennsylvania man was arrested for making violent threats against FBI agents. Using a Gab account under the username BlankFocus, he was quoted saying “My only goal is to kill more of them before I drop.” And “if you work for the FBI then you deserve to die” He is being charged with influencing, impeding, or retaliating against federal law enforcement. He faces a max prison sentence of 10 years.
Further Reading:
Freedom of speech does not include the right to….
Terrorism in the News
Heightened Threats
Further Reading:
DHS Preventing Terrorism
The Department of Homeland Security has warned that in the coming months there may be a heightened threat environment for domestic terrorism. Domestic Extremists are at present the most potentially violent threat, citing the past attacks on a supermarket in Buffalo. The main concern is racial extremists and extremist supporters of pro-life and pro-choice.
Labeling Terrorist Group
A Georgia Representative is pushing for legislation to brand 2 abortion rights groups as terrorist organizations. She argues that the groups Jane’s Revenge, and Ruth Sent Us due to threats and violence. They have been blamed for fire bombing a woman’s pregnancy center.
Further Reading:
CISA: Keep yourself cyber safe
Cyber Attacks in Illinois
The FBI in Chicago has warned that Illinois is one of the top ranked states for being attacked by cyber terrorism. There have been $184.9 million in damages and 17,999 victims.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/fbi-chicago-warns-of-increasing-cyber-attacks-in-illinois
Global Cyber Security Market Forecast
Over the next 6 years, the Global Cyber Security Market is estimated to grow by 17.12% in value. With this many countries are implementing policies and regulation to ensure the safety of cyber security.
Terrorism in the News
NYC Terrorist Plots
Further Reading:
DHS Preventing Terrorism
A software developer is on trial now for attempted terror plots. Alexei Saab was arrested in 2019 for planning to attack Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, New York area airports, Brooklyn, Triborough, George Washington bridges and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels connecting New Jersey to Manhattan as well as other sites. Saab was a highly trained terrorist for Hezbollah Islamic Terrorist Organization. He worked for technology companies and was able to obtain his citizenship through this.
NYC Subway Shooter
A man was accused of shooting 10 people on the Brooklyn subway train and was later arrested and is being charged with a federal terrorism charge. The man was found to have made multiple videos discussing conspiracy theories and obsessed with Armageddon and the apocalypse. The man had opened fire on a crowded train that was closed off to the station.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-grim-journey-of-the-accused-brooklyn-subway-shooter
Further Reading:
Active Shooter - How to Respond
Attack in Tel Aviv
3 people were shot dead and others injured. The man accused is a Palestinian man. Along with this shooting there have been several other shootings in the Tel Aviv area with the Islamic State claiming responsibility.
Further Reading:
Suspicious Mail
Mali Security Alert
The US Embassy in Mali has issued a security alert in anticipation of a possible terror attack. The attack is meant to target locations that are frequented by Westerners due to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Resurgence Threat
After the US withdrawal in Afghanistan there is a possible resurgence of terrorist threats from both al-Qaeda, and ISIS-Khorasan. Their growth poses a threat beyond the borders of Afghanistan.
https://www.cfr.org/report/countering-resurgent-terrorist-threat-afghanistan
Terrorism in the News
DHS Releases Report on Internal Review of Domestic Violent Extremism
Further Reading:
DHS Preventing Terrorism
The DHS has compiled a list of advancements to protecting individuals against domestic terrorism and has implemented tasks forces to ensure there are less radicalization of terrorist acts. A new branch within I&A has been established to collecting intelligence on the presence of domestic terrorism. Also there has been a Non-Profit Security Grant Program created to assist organizations that are targeted by domestic terrorism.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2022/03/11/dhs-releases-report-internal-review-domestic-violent-extremism
Israel is changing their internal Security Agency and combine the past 3 departments into one to better streamline their handling of terrorist activity.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/defense/1648537734-israel-shin-bet-to-streamline-anti-terror-operations-police-point-at-weakness
Further Reading:
Electric Grid Security in the US.
With the war between Ukraine and Russia mounting, many analysts feel that Russia will target the US power grid as they have in Ukraine and cause massive damage.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/america-electric-grid-60-minutes-2022-02-27/
Further Reading:
Strategic Intelligence Assessment and Data on Domestic Terrorism Report by the FBI and DHS.
A new form of terrorism is on the rise from far right wing extremists, as the uncovering of an attempt to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was stopped. The individuals utilized an encrypted messaging platform to discuss the tactics and plan. The individuals were upset about the lockdown from Covid-19 and felt that the control was dictatorial. There were several individuals involved in the incident and have been charged and several sentenced for their actions.
Terrorism in the News
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a Bulletin concerning domestic terrorism and misinformation. They have called out the improper use of mis-dis-and mal-information (MDM) as a major issue that causes distrust in government.
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/ntas/alerts/22_0207_ntas-bulletin.pdf
A Boston man was indicted for obstructing a federal investigation on fires that were set at a Jewish Affiliated institution in Arlington, Needham, and Chelsea Massachusetts. The man was found in Stockholm, Sweden and is being extradited. He was charged with falsifying, concealing, and covering up material facts; concealing records, tampering with an official proceeding. The incident occurred in May of 2019.
Out of Columbus Ohio there are 3 men pleading guilty to conspiring to attack power grids across the US in racially motivated violent extremism that advocates for white supremacy. The individuals were attempting to damage the countries infrastructure, economy and cause division in society. They were assigning each other substations in different regions of the US to attack with rifles. The individuals face 15 years in prison.
Quad to strengthen cyber-terrorism cooperation- Australia's Payne
Australia, India, Japan, and the US pledged to deepen cooperation in the IndoPacific region from coercion. This is an attempt to increase maritime security support and awareness. They hope to develop awareness in offshore resources, navigation and overflight and combating illegal fishing.
GiveSendGo Hacker Faces Death Threats for Leaking ‘Freedom Convoy’ Donor Info
A Canadian Hacker who was responsible for hacking Gab and Parler now states he is also responsible for hacking a Christian crowdfunding site called GiveSendGo. His name is Aubrey Cottle and goes by Kirtaner, was one of the founding members of Anonymous has also admitted to leaking personal information from the Freedom Convoy in Canada of over 92,000 donors. Due to this he is now receiving death threats, but does not seem concerned about physical or legal threats that he has received.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5q88w/givesendgo-hacker-aubrey-cottle-freedom-convoy
Terrorism in the News
Fighting Domestic Terrorism
The US Justice Department is creating a new department to counter domestic terrorism. This department is being created to combat the elevated risks of domestic violent extremists from the white supremacist and anti-government groups. This new unit will be part of the National Security Division.
New Cyber Security Regulations Proposed
The UK has proposed measures to protect users of managed IT services. An update to the 2018 Network and information Systems regulations have been proposed in the wake of the surge of cyber attacks that have arisen recently. The changes would cause companies to have more thorough risk assessments and implement new security measures to protect their networks. There will be increased reporting of significant incidents and be able to demonstrate the compliance with the Information Commisioners Office.
President Biden possible Terrorist Group designation
Following an attack on the Abu Dhabi airport and fuel depot, the UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba of the Emerati Embassy, requested that the Biden administration restore the designation of a terrorist organization to the Houthis group. The Houthis group was removes from the terrorist list nearly a year ago. The Houthis come from Yemen and have utilized missile and drone strikes to attack the united Arab Emirates. The answer given by Biden was that the idea is still under consideration.
Tennessee Woman pleads guilty to aiding a terrorist organization
The woman was indicted by a federal judge, after expressing interest in traveling to Syria to join the Hayat Tahrir Al- Sham (HTS) terrorist organization. The woman gave instructions to an undercover agent on the methods for traveling and other detailed instructions. Thew woman faces 10 years in prison.
Terrorism in the News
Russian hackers Attack Australian Utility
A Russian speaking ransomware gang has claimed credit for an attack on Australias electric Utility, CS Energy. Although the attackers claim to be Russian, Australian media reported that the Chinese government were the hackers behind the breach. The ransomware group is called Conti. Although it seems to be a China based ransomware company, a threat Analyst named Brett Callow believes that Conti is actually a Russian based cybercrime operation and not Chinese. Conti has increasingly attacked utilities, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure recently.
Chinese hackers attack 4 more US Defense and Tech Companies
The attacks from the Chinese hacking campaign are aimed to intercept sensitive information by stealing passwords from targeted organizations. 4 companies have been attacked in the month of December, with more to possibly come as the NSA conducts more extensive investigations.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/politics/china-hackers-espionage-defense-contractors/index.html
The Log4J Vulnerability and Chinese Hackers
A new vulnerability in software was revealed as the Log4J which is already being exploited by Chinese Hackers. Major companies such as Amazon and IBM have already addressed the bug. The flaw was found on an open-source library used by millions. The US CISA director Jen Easterly stated that this was one of the largest flaws shes seen in her career, if not the most serious ever. Log 4J is a Java based software vulnerability and is used by many large corporations to log information in their applications. Many governments across the world are seeing this as a huge vulnerability flaw and are quickly working to patch the issue before hackers exploit them.
Terrorism in the News
US Removes Columbia’s FARC from terrorist blacklist
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) has been removed from the US’s terrorist blacklist. This is due to the fact that it no longer exists as a unified organization that engages in terrorist activities, and no longer has the intent or capability to do so. With this the US State Department did note that the Armed Forces of Columbia—Peoples Army and the Segunda Marquetalia are being labeled as foreign terrorist organizations, with their people and leaders as global terrorists.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/30/politics/farc-delisting/index.html
UK planning to make Hamas a banned Terrorist Group
The Home Secretary of Britain Priti Patel plans to ban the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The military part of the group have been outlawed in the UK since 2001, but the entirety of the organization will be formally named as a Terrorist group. They will no longer differentiate between the military and political wings of the party. Hamas has been known for their antisemitism. The action of banning the terrorist group would include making it illegal to express support for the group which could lead to 14 years in prison. Hamas is considered a terrorist group in the US.
Ethiopian Tigray Conflict
The Ethiopian army has recaptured several towns from the Tigrayan rebel military. The Tigrayan military was on a path towards the capital Addis Ababa to capture the city.
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are a Unesco world heritage site
European Security Conference involving Russia
At a conference held in Sweden the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Mavrov brought up the idea of a new European Security Pact to stop Nato from expanding further east. The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated a caution to consequences if Russia was looking for conflict with Ukraine. The conference being held was called the Organisationfor Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Further discussion concerning Ukraine was decided upon with both sides looking to have a formal conversation between President Biden and President Vladamir Putin. There is no date set for this yet. The Russian military forces have begun stationing troops nearing 90,000 in mass near the Ukraine border.
Antony Blinken and Sergei Lavrov met at a European security conference in Sweden
Terrorism in the News
Terrorist threats have become more transnational in recent years with the adaptation to new technologies. Terrorist groups that have begun to spread are Al Qaida, and Da’esh. The threats have become more digitalized and de-centralized causing a rapidly evolving situation in the countries under their rule, especially Afghanistan. The UN has stressed “We will need to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as launching pad for global terrorism.” While Da’esh remains focused on reconstituting its capabilities in Iraq and Syria, the most alarming development is the group’s relentless spread across the African continent. With the introduction of the “Islamic State in the Greater Sahara”, there has been a call to support the efforts of African countries to counter the threat of terrorism. Another event exacerbating the issue is Da’esh’s detention of thousands of individuals linked to terrorist groups. The UN is calling for Member States to refocus their concerns on the targeted individuals, particularly children.
Classified Sandwich
A navy engineer and his wife were recently detained for attempted espionage. They were attempting to sell design information for the nuclear powered submarines to foreign nations. The actions were stopped by the FBI. They were attempting to conduct drops by hiding data cards in peanut butter sandwiches and chewing gum wrappers. They face a maximum punishment of life in prison under the Atomic Energy Act.
Microsoft Hacked 365
Hackers linked to Iranian nationals recently attempted to gain access to over 250 Microsoft Users Office 365 accounts. Less than 20 of the targeted individuals were compromised. The target of the attack were US and Israeli Defense technology and global maritime companies. The method the hackers used to access the account is called “ password spraying” where they cycle through different passwords.
https://www.cyberscoop.com/iran-maritime-microsoft-defense-israel/
Cross border terrorism is not statecraft
The Prime Minister of India recently warned Pakistan that “Cross border terrorism is not statecraft; it is simply another form of terrorism.” He addressed the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. He stated “If peace and development is our common goal, the biggest enemy we must overcome is terrorism…”
