December 2016 Security News

Armed attack on Istanbul nightclub kills 39, injures 69: Interior minister Press TV 31 Dec 2016 -- At least 39 people are dead and 69 others have been wounded in an armed attack on a nightclub in Turkey's Istanbul, the interior minister says.
Istanbul Governor: 35 People Killed in Nightclub Attack VOA 31 Dec 2016 -- Thirty-five people were killed and dozens more were wounded early Sunday in an attack on an Istanbul nightclub packed with New Year's revelers, the city's governor said.
McCain says Russian cyber attacks against US an 'act of war' Press TV 31 Dec 2016 -- Senior US Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain says Russia's alleged cyber attacks against political organizations to influence the 2016 presidential election amounted to an "act of war."
Russian operation hacked Vermont utility, US officials say Press TV 31 Dec 2016 -- US officials say malicious software tied to a Russian hacking group associated with attempts to influence the presidential election was found within a computer that belongs to an electric utility company in Burlington, Vermont.
U.S. Electric Utility Reports Malware Said To Be Planted By Russian Hackers RFE/RL 31 Dec 2016 -- A Vermont electric utility said it found on one of its laptop computers a malware code the U.S. government says is used by Russian hackers.
US Lawmaker: Utility's Malware Discovery Points to 'Rampant Russian Hacking' VOA 31 Dec 2016 -- A U.S. congressman from Vermont said Saturday that Russian malware code found in a computer belonging to a major state electric utility was further evidence of "rampant Russian hacking."
FBI, DHS release report on alleged Russian hacking of election Press TV 30 Dec 2016 -- US intelligence services have released an analysis detailing how federal investigators believe the Russian government was behind hacks of the 2016 US election.
China Surprises India as It Defends Pak-Based Militant Chief at UN Sputnik 30 Dec 2016 -- Despite promising joint efforts to weed out terrorism from the region, China has backed Pakistan at the UN to prevent Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar being designated a terrorist.
Trump Seeks Full Report from US Intelligence Agencies on Russian Allegations Sputnik 30 Dec 2016 -- Incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said that Donald Trump will personally hear assessments from across the US intelligence community on the allegations of Russian interference in the American elections.
Trump to Meet With Intelligence Officials to Clarify Russian Spying Accusations Sputnik 30 Dec 2016 -- "In the interest of our country and its great people," Trump promised to meet with members of the FBI, DHS, and other intelligence agencies "to be updated on the facts of this situation," according to a statement from the transition team.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Obama Set To Release Report To Congress On Alleged Russian Hacking Sputnik 29 Dec 2016 -- President Barack Obama said his administration will provide lawmakers a detailed analysis regarding allegations of Russian "efforts to interfere in our election" in addition to accusations of "malicious cyberactivity."
Press Call on the Administration Response to Russian Malicious Cyber Activity and Harassment The White House 29 Dec 2016
US Imposes Sanctions on Russia for Alleged Hacking of Election Sputnik 29 Dec 2016 -- Despite a glaring lack of evidence to support allegations that Russia interfered in the US presidential election, the White House has announced that they will be imposing sanctions on the nation.
Obama Hits Russia With New Sanctions for Election Hacking VOA 29 Dec 2016 -- President Barack Obama on Thursday hit Russia with new sanctions over its computer hacking and interference in the November presidential election and other Russian actions, including harassing U.S. diplomats in Moscow.
Statement by the President on Actions in Response to Russian Malicious Cyber Activity and Harassment The White House 29 Dec 2016 -- "Today, I have ordered a number of actions in response to the Russian government's aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at the U.S. election. These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior."
FACT SHEET: Actions in Response to Russian Malicious Cyber Activity and Harassment The White House 29 Dec 2016 -- "Today, President Obama authorized a number of actions in response to the Russian government's aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at the U.S. election in 2016. Russia's cyber activities were intended to influence the election, erode faith in U.S. democratic institutions, sow doubt about the integrity of our electoral process, and undermine confidence in the institutions of the U.S. government. These actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
Department of State Actions in Response to Russian Harassment US Dept. of State 29 Dec 2016 -- The State Department today declared persona non grata 35 Russian officials operating in the United States who were acting in a manner inconsistent with their diplomatic or consular status.
Obama Hits Russia With New Sanctions VOA 29 Dec 2016 -- The Obama administration has hit Russia with new sanctions in response to Moscow's alleged hacking and interference in the November U.S. presidential elections.
US Senators Call for Sanctions on Russia in Election Hacking VOA 29 Dec 2016 -- Key U.S. senators visiting eastern European allies have called for sanctions against Russia for interfering in the presidential election.
Trump dismisses talk of imposing sanctions against Russia Press TV 29 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has turned down talk of imposing sanctions against Russia in response to Moscow's alleged interference in the November 8 election.
Obama orders sanctions on Russia over alleged election interference Press TV 29 Dec 2016 -- The United States has announced a series of economic sanctions against Russia over allegations that it interfered in the 2016 presidential election through cyber attacks.
U.S. Expels 35 Russian Diplomats, Announces New Sanctions For Alleged Hacking RFE/RL 29 Dec 2016 -- The United States says it is expelling nearly three dozen Russian diplomats as it announced new economic sanctions and other punitive measures in response to alleged Russian hacking during the presidential election.
UN experts applaud US decision to dismantle 'discriminatory and ineffective' counterterrorism programme UN News 29 Dec 2016 -- Two United Nations human rights experts welcomed a decision by the United States to dismantle a national registry program targeting people visiting from countries that are home to active terrorist groups, a program that the experts labelled "discriminatory and ineffective."
Tunisian forces bust al-Qaeda-linked terrorist cell near Sousse Press TV 29 Dec 2016 -- Tunisian security forces have dismantled a "terrorist cell" affiliated to the Takfiri al-Qaeda militant group that poised to carry out attacks in the North African country.
FSB arrests suspected Daesh-linked terrorists planning attacks Press TV 29 Dec 2016 -- Russia's domestic security agency says its forces have taken into custody several suspected Daesh-linked terrorists, who were planning to carry out terror attacks around the capital, Moscow.
U.S. Expected To Announce Measures Against Russia Over Election Hacking RFE/RL 29 Dec 2016 -- U.S. media report that the United States will soon announce retaliatory measures against Russia for allegedly leaking hacked U.S. Democratic e-mails during the presidential campaign in what the CIA and others believe was an effort to help Donald Trump win the election.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Dec 2016 [PDF]
US Senate believes Russia meddled in election: Graham Press TV 28 Dec 2016 -- US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says nearly the entire Senate believes that Russia interfered in the November presidential election.
OSCE Says It Suffered Major Cyberattack RFE/RL 28 Dec 2016 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has suffered a "major" cyberattack, a spokeswoman has confirmed.
U.S. Senator: Tough Sanctions To Hit Russia, Putin For Cyberattacks RFE/RL 28 Dec 2016 -- A U.S. senator says that Russia and President Vladimir Putin will be hit with tough sanctions as a result of suspected Russian cyberattacks during last month's U.S. presidential election.
OSCE Suffered Cyberattack in Fall Sputnik 28 Dec 2016 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was hit by a cyberattack in the fall, media reported Wednesday, citing an OSCE official.
Amendment to the Terrorist Designations of Lashkar e-Tayyiba US Dept. of State 28 Dec 2016-- Through its authorities under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, the State Department announces the amendment of the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity designations of Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) to include the alias Al-Muhammadia Students (AMS).
Graham: 'Enough is Enough;' Predicts Sanctions on Russia VOA 28 Dec 2016 -- Prominent Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham says Russia did interfere in the recent U.S. presidential election and can expect hard-hitting sanctions. But a former U.S. official is downplaying the controversy over Russian hacking.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 28 Dec 2016 [PDF]
IS Makes Small Comeback in Areas It Once Held VOA 27 Dec 2016 --As it suffers major setbacks across Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State is doubling back in some areas and retaking territory it lost months ago.
China Stresses Peaceful, Open Cyberspace in New Security Strategy Sputnik 27 Dec 2016 -- The Cyberspace Administration of China released a new cyberspace security strategy, which emphasizes peace, protection and cooperation, Chinese media reported Tuesday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Dec 2016 [PDF]
IS's Looming Death Could Be Hiding Bad News RFE/RL 26 Dec 2016 -- In 2014, the world was gripped by news of two deadly epidemics.
India's Counter-Terrorism Body Arrests Daesh Militant Sputnik 26 Dec 2016 -- Daesh sympathizer, who was planning to carry out murders of foreigners in the India's city of Kolkata, was detained by the Indian National Investigation Agency.
US Asks Visitors for Social Media Information VOA 26 Dec 2016 -- The U.S. government has started asking some foreign visitors to provide their social media account information as part of the effort to identify potential terrorists.
Over 2,000 nationals abroad fighting alongside Takfiri militants: Saudi ministry Press TV 26 Dec 2016 -- Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has acknowledged that more than 2,000 of its citizens have traveled to other countries, including Syria, to join Takfiri militant groups.
Takfirism threat to security of entire world: Iran defense minister Press TV 26 Dec 2016 -- Takfiri terrorism poses a threat to the security of all countries across the world, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan says.
Tunisian police warn of Takfiris' return from Iraq, Syria Press TV 25 Dec 2016 -- Tunisian security authorities have warned of the return of thousands of Takfiri militants fighting for terrorist groups in Iraq and neighboring Syria to the small Mediterranean country, demanding "exceptional measures" to combat the phenomenon.
Tunisia Arrests Three People 'Connected' To Berlin Truck Attack Suspect RFE/RL 24 Dec 2016 -- Tunisian authorities say they have arrested the nephew of the slain Berlin truck attack suspect, Anis Amri, and two others suspected of belonging to the same extremist network.
Fears Growing Islamic State Successfully Weaponizing Refugees VOA 24 Dec 2016 -- Western security officials are increasingly worried that the Islamic State terror group may be a step ahead of their renewed efforts to stop terrorist infiltration of their countries.
Tunisia Arrests Nephew, 2 Others Connected to Slain Suspected Berlin Attacker VOA 24 Dec 2016 -- Authorities in Tunisia have arrested the nephew of suspected Berlin Christmas market attacker Anis Amri, along with two other Islamist militant suspects said to be "connected" to Amri, the interior ministry said Saturday.
Five arrested over Christmas Day terror plot in Melbourne Press TV 23 Dec 2016 -- Australian police in the city of Melbourne have foiled a terror plot and detained five suspects behind the scheme.
Berlin attack suspect shot dead in Italy Press TV 23 Dec 2016 -- A man believed to be the perpetrator of a Monday terrorist attack in the German city of Berlin has been killed in Italy.
Berlin Christmas Market Attack Suspect Shot Dead By Italian Police RFE/RL 23 Dec 2016 -- Italy's interior minister said the suspect in the Berlin Christmas market truck attack that killed 12 people was shot dead by Italian police in a suburb of Milan.
Final trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides 'high protection' - UN health agency UN News 23 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has said that an experimental Ebola vaccine has been found to be highly protective against the deadly virus in a major trial in Guinea.
Berlin Attack Suspect Recruited in Germany, Spoke Openly of Mounting Truck Attack VOA 23 Dec 2016 -- Anis Amri attended mosque hours after carrying out his deadly attack Monday on a Berlin Christmas market that left 12 dead and dozens injured, but there was nothing especially pious about the 24-year-old Tunisian before or even after he was radicalized.
Video Purportedly Shows Suspect in German Attack Calling for Bloodshed VOA 23 Dec 2016 -- An Islamic State-linked video released Friday purportedly shows the suspect in Monday's deadly truck attack on a German Christmas market calling for more attacks in Europe.
South East Asia Steps up Security to Terror Threat Over Christmas, New Year VOA 23 Dec 2016 -- South East Asian nations, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, are stepping up security amid warnings of terrorist attacks by supporters of the so-called Islamic State over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Hijackers of Libyan Plane Surrender in Malta VOA 23 Dec 2016 -- The two hijackers aboard a Libyan plane surrendered to police Friday after rerouting the jet to the island of Malta and releasing all hostages on board, said Malta's prime minister, Joseph Muscat.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Australia Detains 5 in IS-inspired Christmas Day Bomb Plot VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Several people allegedly planning a series of bomb attacks in Melbourne, Australia, on Christmas Day have been arrested, and the plot was foiled, police said Friday.
Obama Dumps Registry for Some Immigrant Men, Mostly Muslims VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- The Obama administration said Thursday it is officially scrapping a post-9/11 requirement for immigrant men from predominantly Muslim countries to register with the federal government.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Germany Offers Reward For Information On Berlin-Attack Suspect RFE/RL 21 Dec 2016 -- German authorities are offering a reward of up to 100,000 euros ($105,000) for information leading to the arrest of a Tunisian man suspected of involvement in the Berlin Christmas-market attack, identifying him as 24-year-old Anis Amri.
State Department Terrorist Designation of AQIM Operative Saleck Ould Cheikh Mohamedou US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2016
Germany Identifies New Suspect in Berlin Market Attack VOA 21 Dec 2016 -- German police are engaged in a manhunt to find a Tunisian man suspected of involvement in Monday's deadly truck rampage in Berlin.
Trump: European Attacks 'Prove' He Is 'Right' on Need for Muslim Screening VOA 21 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that the violent attacks in Europe this week "prove" that he is "right" about his plans to institute tough screening of Muslims attempting to enter the United States after he assumes power next month.
Europe Braces for Russian Cyber Assault Before 2017 Elections VOA 21 Dec 2016 -- Amid ongoing accusations that Russia attempted to influence and subvert the U.S. presidential election, Europe is bracing for a similar operation by Moscow before a series of elections. France, Germany and the Netherlands go to the polls in 2017, and analysts say Russia is already attempting to influence the outcomes, a charge Moscow denies.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 21 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Russian hacking serious issue but no select committee needed to probe it: McConnell Press TV 20 Dec 2016 -- US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said there is no need to form a Senate select committee to investigate the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
Republican Senate Leader Rebuffs Call For Special Russian Hacking Probe RFE/RL 20 Dec 2016 -- The top Republican in the U.S. Senate has again rejected calls for a special congressional committee to investigate alleged Russian computer hacking during the U.S. presidential election.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Deadly Truck Rampage In Berlin RFE/RL 20 Dec 2016 -- A website linked to the so-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed that the extremist group was responsible for a December 19 attack in Berlin, where a man drove a truck through a crowded Christmas market, killing 12 people and wounding 50.
Berlin Police Call Christmas Market Deaths Probable 'Terrorist Attack' RFE/RL 20 Dec 2016 -- Berlin police say a truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin while people were celebrating the holidays on the evening of December 19, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens in a probable "terrorist attack."
At Security Council, UN chief underlines need to tackle root causes of human trafficking UN News 20 Dec 2016 -- Highlighting the plight of victims of human trafficking, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined today the need to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators, as well as to address underlying factors by focusing on human rights and stability.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Dec 2016 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Dec 2016 [PDF]
FBI did not notify Podesta of Russian hacking before WikiLeaks entered the game Press TV 18 Dec 2016 -- John Podesta, the campaign chairman of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, says he was never notified by the FBI of the Russian hacking until shortly after the WikiLeaks started releasing his emails.
Nunes Statement on Cyber-Attack Investigations US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence 16 Dec 2016 -- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes released the following statement today on the continuing investigations into cyber-attacks during the U.S. presidential campaign:
Key U.S. Senator Calls For Single Committee To Probe Russian Hacking RFE/RL 18 Dec 2016 -- An influential Republican senator has called for a single, unified committee to investigate the depth of possible Russian hacking during the U.S. election campaign.
Washington Lacks Consensus on Russian Hacking VOA 18 Dec 2016 -- Washington continues to speak with a cacophony of voices on Russian meddling in last month's U.S. presidential election, displaying a lack of consensus during the ongoing presidential transition period that could impact how America ultimately responds to the cyberattacks.
US electors won't get intelligence briefing on Russian 'hack': Report Press TV 17 Dec 2016 -- US Electoral College electors will not receive an intelligence briefing about alleged Russian interference in the November 8 presidential election, a new report says.
FBI now backs CIA assessment on Russia election hack: Report Press TV 17 Dec 2016 -- The FBI finally agrees with a CIA assessment that Russia deliberately intervened in the US presidential election through cyber operations to help Donald Trump win the White House.
Rewards for Justice - Increased Reward Offer for Information on ISIL Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2016 -- Today, the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is increasing to $25 million its reward offer for information leading to the location, arrest, or conviction of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, also known as Ibrahim 'Awwad Ibrahim 'Ali al-Badri, also known as Abu Du'a.
US will retaliate against Russia over election meddling: Obama Press TV 16 Dec 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has vowed to retaliate against Russia for its alleged meddling in America's election process, dramatically upping the ante in a dispute between Washington and Moscow.
Give proof or end hacking accusations, Russia tells US Press TV 16 Dec 2016 -- Russia has rejected allegations by the United States government that Russia interfered in the recent presidential race in the US.
White House backs claim Putin directed US election hack Press TV 16 Dec 2016 -- The White House has suggested President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in a covert Russian mission to intervene in the 2016 US presidential election.
Russia Challenges U.S. To Prove It Meddled In Election RFE/RL 16 Dec 2016 -- The Kremlin is challenging the United States to prove allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election, saying that Washington should provide evidence or stay silent.
US Senate to Probe Allegations of Russia Hacking in Presidential Election Sputnik 16 Dec 2016 -- The US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will investigate charges that the Russian government sought to help President-elect Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, according to committee Chairman Senator Richard Burr.
Obama: Told Russia to 'Cut It Out' on Hacking, Didn't See Further Tampering VOA 16 Dec 2016 -- President Barack Obama says after U.S. officials realized Russia had hacked the Democratic National Committee email system, he told Russian President Vladimir Putin to "cut it out" during a G-20 meeting in China in September.
US Increases Reward on IS Leader to $25 Million VOA 16 Dec 2016 -- The United States has more than doubled – to $25 million – the reward for information leading to the capture of Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Authorities: IS Fighter in Syria Plots Terror in Indonesia VOA 16 Dec 2016 -- One of Indonesia's most wanted men is a computer geek skilled at bomb-making who joined the Islamic State in Syria, where police say he now directs terror attacks against his native land.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Dec 2016 [PDF]
White House Suggests Putin Authorized Cyberattacks to Impact US Presidential Election VOA 15 Dec 2016 -- The White House pointedly suggested Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally authorized cyberattacks to impact the U.S. presidential election even as President-elect Donald Trump complained about attempts to undermine his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Trump knew about Russia hacks: White House Press TV 15 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump knew well before the November 8 presidential election that Russia was behind hacking attacks against some Democratic organizations, according to the White House.
Putin 'personally involved' in US election hack, NBC News claims Press TV 15 Dec 2016 -- President Vladimir Putin was "personally involved" in a covert Russian effort to intervene in the 2016 US presidential election, NBC News has claimed, citing two unnamed American intelligence officials.
Russia Dismisses Report Putin Was Involved In U.S. Election Meddling RFE/RL 15 Dec 2016 -- Russian officials have dismissed an NBC News report that said U.S. intelligence officials believe with a "high level of confidence" that President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in Russian efforts to interfere in the U.S. Presidential election.
U.S. Republican Senator Graham Says Russia Hacked His Campaign RFE/RL 15 Dec 2016 -- A senior U.S. Republican senator took issue with President-elect Donald Trump on Russian interference in the U.S. elections and disclosed that Moscow had hacked his campaign.
Attempts to Claim Putin Personally Involved in US Elections Foolish - Lavrov Sputnik 15 Dec 2016 -- Journalists' attempts to claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally interfered in the US presidential election are "foolish and pointless," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday when asked to comment respective NBC channel statement
Reports Claiming Putin Interfered in US Election 'Funny Nonsense' - Kremlin Sputnik 15 Dec 2016 -- The Kremlin considers media reports claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin personally interfered in the US presidential election "funny nonsense," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
Daesh cell busted in Moscow, members arrested Press TV 15 Dec 2016 -- Russia has busted a major cell of the Daesh terrorist group in the capital, Moscow.
Russia's FSB Prevents Series of Terror Attacks in Moscow Planned by Daesh Sputnik 15 Dec 2016 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has prevented series of terrorist attacks in Moscow planned by Daesh terrorists group.
Report: Islamist Terrorism Is Long-term Threat at Home, Abroad VOA 15 Dec 2016 -- Islamist terrorism will never be fully eradicated, and the threat to the U.S. homeland is real: These are among the sobering conclusions of a new U.S. Institute of Peace study that traces the origins and evolution of Salafist jihadism, a phenomenon it says blindsided the U.S. in September 2001.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Hacked Again: 'More Than A Billion' Yahoo Accounts May Have Been Compromised Sputnik 15 Dec 2016 -- Internet company Yahoo! Inc. announced Wednesday that they are working closely with law enforcement to secure more than a billion user accounts that may have been affected by a 2013 hack. Law enforcement presented Yahoo with data from a third party claiming that it was Yahoo-user data.
Lower house of French parliament votes to extend state of emergency Press TV 14 Dec 2016 -- The lower house of the French parliament has voted to extend a nation-wide state of emergency for another six months.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 14 Dec 2016 [PDF]
US Senate panel to hold hearing on Russia hacking in January Press TV 13 Dec 2016 -- A panel in the US Senate is set to hold a hearing on allegations of Russian hacking in favor of GOP candidate Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.
Iran Increasingly Sees IS as Threat to Islamic Republic VOA 13 Dec 2016 -- In an unusual display of public candor, Iranian authorities have said in recent speeches that Islamic State infiltrators are becoming a growing threat to the Islamic Republic.
Top spy agency does not endorse CIA analysis on Russia hacks Press TV 13 Dec 2016 -- The office overseeing all 17 US spy agencies has not embraced a CIA assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help Republican Donald Trump win the race.
Islamic State's 'Battle Ready' Fighters Hit New Low VOA 13 Dec 2016 -- Under pressure from unrelenting airstrikes and increasingly capable forces on the ground, the Islamic State terror group is having trouble mustering a fighting force capable of holding onto its self-declared caliphate.
U.S. Electors Demand Briefing On Russian-Meddling Claim Before Voting RFE/RL 13 Dec 2016 -- Some of the U.S. electors who are charged with determining the next president in a vote next week have called for a briefing to detail evidence behind a finding that Russia intervened to help Donald Trump win the November 8 popular vote.
Calls for Probes Into Apparent Russian Cyber Meddling in US Election Cross Party Lines VOA 13 Dec 2016 -- After years of political acrimony, some top U.S. Republican congressional leaders and President Barack Obama have finally agreed on how to approach a burgeoning issue confronting Washington: apparent Russian cyber meddling to influence the U.S. presidential election.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Dec 2016 [PDF]
US Congress to Investigate Alleged Russian Attempts to Ensure Trump Victory VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- Intelligence committees in both houses of Congress launched investigations Monday into accusations that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election to boost the chances that President-elect Donald Trump would win.
U.S. Senate To Probe Alleged Pro-Trump Hacking By Russia RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- The top Republican in the U.S. Senate has said Congress will investigate the CIA's conclusions that the Russian government used computer hackers to help President-elect Donald Trump win the election.
White House: Trump benefited from Russia hacking into 2016 election Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The White House says President-elect Donald Trump is the one who benefited from alleged Russian hacking into the 2016 election.
Intelligence reports Russia influenced US election 'ridiculous': Trump Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has turned down "ridiculous" intelligence reports that Russia intervened in the November 8 election to help him win the White House.
Trump: Democrats Accused Us of Conspiracy Theories, Now Promote Them Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- President-elect Donald Trump is continuing his dismissal of claims that Russia hacked the Democratic National Convention on his behalf, asserting that if things were the other way around, and the GOP blamed a loss on shadowy Russian hackers, they would be labeled conspiracy theorists.
Neo-Con's Change of Heart? Bolton Says 'Russia Hack' May Have Been a False Flag Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- The growing scandal surrounding the alleged Russian hacking of the US election is entering strange new territory. On Sunday, leading neoconservative thinker John Bolton told Fox News that he could not rule out that the hacks may have been a false flag operation, possibly by someone in the Obama administration.
Obama admin. may be behind Russia hacking 'false flag': Bolton Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The administration of US President Barack Obama may have carried out a series of deliberate hacking 'false flags' against some American political organizations to make a case against Russia, says former US ambassador to United Nations John Bolton.
Claims of Russia's Involvement in Cyberattacks Groundless - Kremlin Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Accusations that Russia is involved in cyberattacks are unprofessional and groundless, and have nothing in common with reality, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Ukraine Searches For Culprit After Cyberattacks On Finance Ministry, Treasury RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Ukrainian authorities are still looking for the culprits nearly a week after troublesome cyberattacks against official financial institutions that appeared to be designed to inflict maximum chaos on end-of-the-year payments.
Security Council underlines need for stronger judicial cooperation to combat terrorism UN News 12 Dec 2016 -- Condemning acts of terrorism and their impact on innocent civilians and on peace and stability, the United Nations Security Council emphasized the need for establishing wilful violation of prohibition on financing of terrorist organizations or individual terrorists as serious criminal offenses in national laws and regulations.
Trump Fires New Broadside at CIA Conclusion Russia Helped Him Win Election VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump fired a new broadside Monday against the Central Intelligence Agency conclusion that Russia interfered in the presidential election to help him win, questioning why the claim wasn't made before last month's voting.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Distrust growing between Trump, US intelligence agencies Press TV 11 Dec 2016 -- US intelligence officials have expressed mounting concern and confusion about how to proceed in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration because of its open hostility to the function and role of spy agencies.
FBI, CIA 'not on same page' about Russia's role in US election Press TV 11 Dec 2016 -- The CIA and the FBI appear to be divided in their assessment of whether Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Republican Donald Trump clinch the White House, according to a report.
Trump Criticizes CIA Conclusions On Russia Election Interference RFE/RL 11 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the CIA's conclusion that Russia interfered in the presidential election, saying it was being used by Democrats as "just another excuse" for his defeat of Hillary Clinton.
Trump, Staff Call Russia Hack Claims 'Ridiculous,' 'Insane;' Senators Want Probe Sputnik 11 Dec 2016 -- President-elect Donald Trump and his staff have dismissed new claims of Russian election hacking, while Congressional leaders call for more action on cybersecurity.
Trump: CIA Conclusion 'Ridiculous' That Russia Interfered to Help Him Win Election VOA 11 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says the Central Intelligence Agency's conclusion that Russia interfered in last month's presidential election to boost his chances of winning was "ridiculous," calling it "just another excuse" by Democrats for his upset of former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
UN Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attack in Egyptian capital, Cairo UN News 11 Dec 2016 -- Strongly condemning today's terrorist attack at the St. Peter's Church attached to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, the United Nations Security Council stressed that those responsible for the attack should be held accountable.
Blast at Cairo Coptic Cathedral Complex Kills 25 VOA 11 Dec 2016 -- An explosion at Cairo's Coptic Orthodox cathedral complex Sunday has killed at least 25 people and wounded nearly 50 others.
Pentagon to offer Trump tougher military options on Daesh Press TV 10 Dec 2016 -- The Pentagon is drawing up proposals to offer to Donald Trump if his incoming administration decides to intensify the military campaign against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group, according to a report.
Indonesia arrests 4 for bomb attack plot in Jakarta Press TV 10 Dec 2016 -- Four people have been arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of plotting a major bomb attack in the capital, Jakarta.
Bomb Plot Alleged as Suspects Are Arrested in Indonesia VOA 10 Dec 2016 -- Three alleged terrorists arrested near Jakarta were thought to be on the verge of carrying out an attack on a tourist area of the capital Sunday, Indonesian authorities said.
Top leader of Daesh-linked terrorists killed in eastern Malaysia Press TV 10 Dec 2016 -- Security forces in Malaysia have killed a senior leader of the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Takfiri terrorist group in a shootout off the coast of the eastern province of Sabah on the island of Borneo, the Philippine military says.
France says plans emergency state extension due to elections Press TV 10 Dec 2016 -- The French premier says his administration is seeking to prolong until mid-July next year a state of emergency declared across the European country after the deadly 2015 Paris attacks.
Obama orders probe into Russia role in Trump election Press TV 10 Dec 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has ordered American intelligence agencies to investigate Russian cyber attacks as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect Donald Trump as president, not just to undermine the US political process more generally.
CIA Reportedly Concluded Russian Hackers' Goal Was To Elect Trump RFE/RL 10 Dec 2016 -- The CIA has concluded that Russia intervened in the election last month to help U.S. President-elect Donald Trump win the White House, The Washington Post has reported.
US Intelligence Agencies Suspect Russia of Hacking Into Republican Party Servers Sputnik 10 Dec 2016 -- US intelligence agencies suspect that the Russian government was involved in the hacking of the Republican National Committee's (RNC) computer systems without further publication of the stolen data, The New York Times reported, citing sources.
Reports: CIA Believes Russia Helped Trump Win White House VOA 10 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered the intelligence community to conduct a full review of "hacking-related activity aimed at disrupting the 2016 U.S. presidential election."
Obama orders full review of 2016 election hacking Press TV 09 Dec 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has ordered a full review of alleged hacking by the Russians into the 2016 election, says the White House.
Alleged Russian Cyberattacks Review to Look at Full US Election Cycle Sputnik 09 Dec 2016 -- According to a White House deputy press secretary, US President Barack Obama's directive to conduct a full review of alleged Russian cyber interference will include the 2008 presidential election.
Obama Orders Review of US Election Hacking VOA 09 Dec 2016 -- President Barack Obama has ordered the intelligence community to conduct a "full review" of "hacking-related activity aimed at disrupting the 2016 U.S. presidential election."
Southcom Commander Stresses Need for Collaboration Against Threat Networks AFPS 09 Dec 2016 -- Trust, collaboration and innovation are necessary in fighting threat networks and their finances, the commander of U.S. Southern Command said Dec. 7 in opening remarks for the 15th Caribbean Nations Security Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Over 1,700 Takfiri European terrorists back home: Report Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- An EU report warns that a third of the estimated 5,000 European nationals who traveled to Iraq and Syria to join Takfiri terrorists have returned home, probably with a mission to launch attacks.
US Not Ruling Out Future Release of Probe Details of Alleged Russia Hacking Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The United States may disclose additional information concerning the investigation into alleged cyberattacks carried out by Russian hackers during 2016 US presidential election, White House spokesman Josh Easnest said in a press briefing on Thursday.
Demands Intensify for Answers on Russian Meddling in US Election VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- U.S. lawmakers of both political parties said the American people are owed a thorough accounting of Russia's meddling in last month's presidential election, with one prominent Republican urging sanctions on Russian hackers.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry Rules Out Possibility of Daesh Seizure of Country Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- According to the Pakistani deputy foreign minister, Pakistan does not consider possible seizure of the country's territory by Daesh.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Who is General John Kelly? VOA 07 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, retired Marine General John Kelly, is one of the U.S. military's longest-serving commanders and the most senior officer since 9/11 to lose a child in combat.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 07 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Obama Appeals for Counterterrorism Policy That Adheres to Core US Values VOA 06 Dec 2016 -- In his final national security speech, President Barack Obama thanked U.S. troops for keeping America safe and, without mentioning his name, rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims and his support expressed during the election campaign for waterboarding.
Remarks by the President on the Administration's Approach to Counterterrorism The White House 06 Dec 2016
Social-Media Giants Team Up To Curb Terrorist Content RFE/RL 06 Dec 2016 -- Four major U.S. technology companies say they are joining forces to remove terrorist-related content from their online services.
Obama Defends Counterterrorism Strategy Against al-Qaida, IS VOA 06 Dec 2016 -- President Barack Obama said his administration's shift in the tactics of fighting terrorism -- from bearing the brunt of the battle to creating a multinational force that engages local governments -- should be credited for gains the United States has made against the Islamic State and al-Qaida terror networks.
South Korea Suspects Pyongyang of Hacking its Cyber Command Sputnik 06 Dec 2016 -- South Korean cyber command have likely been hacked with North Korea being suspected of committing the alleged attack, a South Korean Defense Ministry official said on Tuesday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Dec 2016 [PDF]
New IS Spokesman Takes Aim at West, Turkey and Iran VOA 05 Dec 2016 -- A new chief spokesman for the Islamic State is urging supporters to target the terror group's enemies wherever they find them and "burn the ground under their feet."
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 04 Dec 2016 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Shawqi Awad Balzuhair from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Cabo Verde.
Intel Undersecretary Describes Cyber Threat, Steps to Combat It AFPS 03 Dec 2016 -- Cybersecurity is a political, economic, diplomatic and military challenge, and the undersecretary of defense for intelligence explained its complexities during a panel discussion today at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California.
US Cybersecurity Panel Presents Anti-Hacking Recommendations in Final Report Sputnik 03 Dec 2016 -- The US Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, tasked by President Barack Obama with developing ways to strengthen the nation's defense against hackers, issued its final report, with advice for the current and future administrations.
Presidential Commission Warns of Cyber Threats Facing Next Administration VOA 03 Dec 2016 -- A U.S. presidential commission on Friday called on the incoming administration to immediately take steps to enhance cybersecurity in both the private and public sector.
Russian Central Bank Says Hackers Stole $31 Million; FSB Warns Of Plot RFE/RL 03 Dec 2016 -- Russia's Central Bank said hackers stole more than $31 million from correspondent accounts, as Russia's main security agency warned of cyberattacks aimed at destabilizing the country's banking system.
Russian Central Bank Denies Losing $31Mln in Single Hacking Attack Sputnik 03 Dec 2016 -- The Bank of Russia refuted media reports it had lost over $31 million in a hacking attack.
Statement by the President on the Report of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity The White House 02 Dec 2016
Army officials move to integrate electronic warfare, cyber US Army 02 Dec 2016 -- Electronic warfare Soldiers will soon be working more closely with their cyber counterparts, as Army officials plan to move both specialties into the same career field and put new doctrine to the test.
NATO holds annual cyber exercise in Estonia NATO 02 Dec 2016 -- NATO's largest cyber defence exercise, Cyber Coalition 2016, wrapped up in Estonia on Friday (2 December 2016).
Islamic State changing terror tactics to maintain threat in Europe EUROPOL 02 Dec 2016 -- As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses ground in the Middle East, the pattern of its recent terrorist attacks in Europe suggests that it has already adopted new tactics to attack the West. These developments are highlighted in the report Changes in Modus Operandi of IS revisited published today by Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC).
Europol warns about more terror threats by Daesh Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- The European Union's law enforcement agency has published a report outlining the high probability of more attacks by the Takfiri Daesh terrorists in some European countries.
Russia repels foreign-sponsored cyber attack on banking system: FSB Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Russia's security agency says it has thwarted a foreign-sponsored cyber attack aimed at destabilizing the country's financial system.
Russia Warns Of Planned Cyberattacks On Banks RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- Russia's main domestic security agency says it is taking measures to foil a plot by unspecified foreign intelligence services to launch "large-scale" cyberattacks from December 5 aimed at disrupting the activities of a number of major Russian banks and at destabilizing the country's financial system.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Dec 2016 [PDF]
Joint Statement on Dismantling of International Cyber Criminal Infrastructure Known as Avalanche US Dept. of Justice 01 Dec 2016
Europol Brings Down Global Cybercrime Syndicate VOA 01 Dec 2016 -- Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, said Thursday it has arrested five people in an online criminal enterprise and seized 39 computer servers following a four-year-long international investigation.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 01 Dec 2016 [PDF]

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December 2016 Security News