November 2018 Security News

Trump Administration Asks Pentagon to Extend Military Presence on Mexico Border VOA 30 Nov 2018 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has asked the Pentagon to extend the U.S. military presence at the Mexico border into next year.
Two Iranian Men Indicted for Deploying Ransomware to Extort Hospitals, Municipalities, and Public Institutions, Causing Over $30 Million in Losses US Dept. of Justice 28 Nov 2018 -- A federal grand jury returned an indictment unsealed today in Newark, New Jersey charging Faramarz Shahi Savandi, 34, and Mohammad Mehdi Shah Mansouri, 27, both of Iran, in a 34-month-long international computer hacking and extortion scheme involving the deployment of sophisticated ransomware, announced Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito for the District of New Jersey and Executive Assistant Director Amy S. Hess of the FBI.
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein Delivers Remarks at the "SamSam" Ransomware Press Conference US Dept. of Justice 28 Nov 2018
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski Delivers Remarks at the "SamSam" Ransomware Press Conference US Dept. of Justice 28 Nov 2018
US Charges 2 Iranians in First Online Ransom Case VOA 28 Nov 2018 -- In the first case of its kind, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges Wednesday against two Iranian hackers for allegedly launching so-called ransomware on the computer networks of U.S. municipalities, hospitals and other public institutions and extorting millions of dollars.
Treasury Designates Iran-Based Financial Facilitators of Malicious Cyber Activity and for the First Time Identifies Associated Digital Currency Addresses US Treasury 28 Nov 2018 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today against two Iran-based individuals, Ali Khorashadizadeh and Mohammad Ghorbaniyan, who helped exchange digital currency (bitcoin) ransom payments into Iranian rial on behalf of Iranian malicious cyber actors involved with the SamSam ransomware scheme that targeted over 200 known victims.
Cyber Coalition helps prepare NATO for today's threats NATO 27 Nov 2018 -- NATO's flagship cyber defence exercise Cyber Coalition, one of the largest in the world, started on Tuesday (27 November 2018) in Tartu, Estonia. The exercise tests and trains cyber defenders from across the Alliance in their ability to defend NATO and national networks. Now in its eleventh year, Cyber Coalition involves around 700 participants from Allies, partners, industry and academia.
New York Woman Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 26 Nov 2018 -- Zoobia Shahnaz, 27, of Brentwood, New York, pleaded guilty to providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
US Embassy in DRC Closed Because of Terror Threat VOA 26 Nov 2018 -- The United States has closed its embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo because of what it says is "credible and specific" information about a terror threat.
Pakistan: UN Security Council condemns 'heinous and cowardly' terrorist attacks UN News 24 Nov 2018 -- The United Nations Security Council has condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's terrorist attacks in Pakistan's Karachi city and in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that claimed dozens of lives and left many more injured.
Trump's Military Border Control Order Met Opposition in the White House – Report Sputnik 24 Nov 2018 -- The two officials who opposed the order are believed to be abandoning their offices soon, according to media reports, following a heated confrontation earlier this week.
Blast kills 31, injures 50 in NW Pakistan IRNA 23 Nov 2018 -- At least 31 people were killed and 50 sustained injuries in an explosion in Pakistan's north western Orakzai region on Friday.
Armed men attack Chinese consulate in Pakistan's Karachi Press TV 23 Nov 2018 -- Three assailants strapped with explosives have attacked the Chinese consulate in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi, leaving two policemen dead.
Pakistan Foils Suicide Attack On Karachi Chinese Consulate, Dozens Dead In Separate Attack In Northwest RFE/RL 23 Nov 2018 -- Pakistani police have killed three suspected suicide bombers who attacked the Chinese Consulate in Karachi before they were able to enter the facility, an incident which Pakistan's government has called a "conspiracy" against the strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.
34 Dead in Separate Attacks on Chinese Consulate, Crowd in Pakistan VOA 23 Nov 2018 -- Separate attacks by armed insurgents in Pakistan killed at least 34 people and wounded dozens of others.
Information and cyber operations modeled by Maryland Army Guard Army News 23 Nov 2018 -- As the unit celebrates its upcoming 10th anniversary, the 110th Information Operations Battalion showcased their unique capabilities commonly integrated into today's operational environments, now referred to as a multi-domain battlefield at the Annapolis Readiness Center Nov 18.
French Terror Laws 'Break Basic Principles of Justice,' Says Rights Group VOA 23 Nov 2018 -- French terror laws are contradicting basic principles of justice, according to the human rights group Amnesty International. It argues that legislation introduced to replace the state of emergency following recent terror attacks places restrictions on would-be terrorists before they have committed a crime, with little judicial oversight.
Trump allows US troops at border to use lethal force against immigrants Press TV 22 Nov 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has authorized troops on the Southwest border with Mexico to use lethal force in order to protect Customs and Border Protection personnel from incoming migrants, according to the Pentagon.
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Delivers Remarks to the Joint Terrorism Task Force US Dept. of Justice 21 Nov 2018
White House Approves Use of Force by Troops at Border VOA 21 Nov 2018 -- The Trump administration is allowing troops stationed at the U.S.-Mexico border to engage in some law enforcement activities and, if necessary, use lethal force.
'US mulls designating Venezuela state sponsor of terror' Press TV 20 Nov 2018 -- The United States is considering enlisting Venezuela as a "state sponsor of terrorism," but no final decision has been made by Washington yet, an informed source reportedly says.
State Department Terrorist Designation of Hajji 'Abd al-Nasir US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2018 -- The Department of State has designated Hajji 'Abd al-Nasir as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.
DR Congo violence puts Ebola humanitarian response at risk, UN food relief agency warns UN News 20 Nov 2018 -- A spokesperson for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned any violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that could slow down the humanitarian response to the Ebola outbreak in the vast country's north-east, following an attack on a UN base and nearby hotels housing UN staff, in the city of Beni on Friday.
US Adds IS Leader's Associate to Terror List VOA 20 Nov 2018 -- Hajji Abd al-Nasir, an Iraqi national who served as a senior Islamic State military leader in Syria and a close confidant of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has been named as a specially designated global terrorist by the United States, the U.S. State Department announced Tuesday.
3 Men Charged Over Alleged 'Mass Killing' Terror Plot in Australia VOA 20 Nov 2018 -- Three men have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a "mass killing" terror attack in Australia's second biggest city, Melbourne.
Pakistan Takes Rare Credit for Helping US Kill al-Qaida Leader VOA 20 Nov 2018 -- Pakistan summoned Tuesday the top U.S. diplomat in the country to formally protest President Donald Trump's allegations that Islamabad had sheltered al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden, despite receiving billions of dollars in U.S. assistance.
Where Did North Korea's Cyber Army Come From? VOA 20 Nov 2018 -- North Korean hackers continue to circumvent protections and compromise computer systems around the globe. Pyongyang's cyber operatives, like the Lazarus Group, have been linked to computer system infiltrations like the 2014 Sony Pictures Studios hack prior to the release of the U.S. film "The Interview" and the attempted theft of close to $1 billion from the central Bangladesh bank using the SWIFT banking network in 2016.
UN Agency Reports Sharp Drop In Afghan Opium Production RFE/RL 19 Nov 2018 -- Opium production in Afghanistan dropped by 29 percent last year, the United Nations anti-drug agency reported, a decrease attributed mainly to a severe drought.
195th ISRG provides intelligence support for Camp and Woolsey Fires AFNS 18 Nov 2018 -- Air National Guardsmen from the 195th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group have been aerial imagery support to agencies battling fires in California since Nov. 8, at Beale Air Force Base.
Trump Defends Deployment of US Troops Sent to Southern Border VOA 17 Nov 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump again defended sending U.S. troops to the southern border with Mexico, questioning the migrants' motives for making the perilous journey, citing a strong U.S. economy.
Remarks by President Trump at Signing of H.R.3359, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act The White House 16 Nov 2018
Troop levels on US-Mexico border 'pretty much peaked': Pentagon Press TV 16 Nov 2018 -- A senior Pentagon official has said that American troop levels at the US-Mexico border have essentially reached their upper limit.
Modernization, people needed to drive Army's cyber capabilities Army News 15 Nov 2018 -- With an increase in digital connectivity and a rapid development of technologies, such as advanced computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the character of war has changed, making cyberspace a critical battlefield of the 21st century and beyond, the U.S. Military Academy superintendent said Wednesday.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 14 Nov 2018 -- Adam Raishani, aka "Saddam Mohamed Raishani," 32, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Mattis Visits US Southern Border VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen visited the U.S. southern border Wednesday, where thousands of American troops have been deployed to support border patrol agents.
Russian Armed Forces Take Measures of Protection Against Cyberattacks Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The Russian Armed Forces are making efforts to secure a maximum protection of communications as a number of countries have increased their capabilities to commit cyberattacks, Head of Russian Service for Protection of State Secret Gen. Lt. Yury Kuznetsov said.
Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Hamas and Hizballah Key Leaders US Dept. of State 13 Nov 2018 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is offering rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to the identification or location of Hamas leader Salih al-Aruri and Lebanese Hizballah leaders Khalil Yusif Mahmoud Harb and Haytham 'Ali Tabataba'i.
State Department Terrorist Designations of Jawad Nasrallah, al-Mujahidin Brigades, and Hizballah US Dept. of State 13 Nov 2018 -- The Department of State has designated Jawad Nasrallah and Al-Mujahidin Brigades (AMB) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.
Treasury Sanctions Key Hizballah, IRGC-QF Networks in Iraq US Treasury 13 Nov 2018 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today to target four Hizballah-affiliated individuals who lead and coordinate the group's operational, intelligence, and financial activities in Iraq. Specifically, OFAC designated Shibl Muhsin 'Ubayd Al-Zaydi, Yusuf Hashim, Adnan Hussein Kawtharani, and Muhammad 'Abd-Al-Hadi Farhat as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
Trial of Drug Kingpin 'El Chapo' Begins in New York VOA 13 Nov 2018 -- Opening statements have begun in the high-security trial of notorious Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Deadly Ebola Outbreak Erupts in DRC VOA 11 Nov 2018 -- An outbreak of Ebola in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 200 people. Almost 300 Ebola cases have been confirmed since the outbreak began in August, authorities say.
Radical Islam Blamed for Terror Strike in Australia VOA 11 Nov 2018 -- Australian investigators say a Somali-born man who stabbed bystanders in the center of Melbourne on Friday had been "inspired" and "radicalized" by the militant group calling itself Islamic State. Hassan Khalif Shire Ali was shot by police and died later in a hospital.
DRC says Ebola outbreak worst in country's recorded history IRNA 11 Nov 2018 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its worst Ebola outbreak in the country's recorded history, health officials have said.
Uganda Readies to Stave Off Ebola Along DRC Border VOA 10 Nov 2018 -- In Uganda, officials have stepped up measures to prevent an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. Ebola has infected 319 people in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo since August, killing 198. The border between the countries remains open, and health experts fear the virus will enter Uganda through the cross-border traffic.
Cesar Altieri Sayoc Charged in 30-Count Indictment With Mailing Improvised Explosive Devices in Connection With Domestic Terrorist Attack US Dept. of Justice 09 Nov 2018 -- Cesar Altieri Sayoc, aka Cesar Randazzo, aka Cesar Altieri, and aka Cesar Altieri Randazzo, 56, was charged today in a 30-count Indictment for offenses relating to his alleged execution of a domestic terrorist attack in October 2018, which involved the mailing of 16 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to 13 victims throughout the country.
North Korea-Linked Hackers Accused of Stealing Millions in ATM Cyber Attacks Sputnik 09 Nov 2018 -- A hacking group believed to be linked to North Korea is conducting hacks motivated by money, according to a new report.
Bulgaria Detains Suspected Russian Hacker on US Request Sputnik 09 Nov 2018 -- The Bulgarian authorities have detained a Russian citizen for up to 60 days at the request by Washington over his suspected involvement in cyber-fraud, the man will be later extradited to the United States, the Bulgarian prosecutor's office said in a statement posted on its website on Friday.
Daesh Reportedly Claims Responsibility For Melbourne Attack Sputnik 09 Nov 2018 -- Earlier in the day, a Somali man stabbed one person to death and wounded two more after torching his car, which was laden with gas cylinders, on Bourke Street in Melbourne.
One Man Stabbed to Death, at Least Three Wounded in Australia VOA 09 Nov 2018 -- A man stabbed several people, killing one in the Australian city of Melbourne Friday.
Prairie Assurance quake drill preps Guard, first responders Army News 08 Nov 2018 -- Imagine that a subtle shaking awakens you from a sound sleep. You step out of bed to investigate and as you move through your house, the rumble intensifies to a shake, then a full-on roil.
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo conflict zone 'remains dangerous and unpredictable' - UN chiefs UN News 08 Nov 2018 -- While new measures to tackle the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are working, the epidemic remains dangerous and unpredictable, the United Nations said on Thursday.
Syrian Man Sentenced for Terrorism-Related Crimes US Dept. of Justice 07 Nov 2018 -- Ahmed Alahmedalabdaloklah, aka Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Ahmad, 41, of Syria, was sentenced today to life plus 30 years in prison. Alahmedalabdaloklah was found guilty by a federal jury on March 16, of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, conspiring to maliciously damage or destroy U.S. Property by weans of an explosive, aiding and abetting other persons to possess a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to possess a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Frontline workers vaccinated in Uganda over Ebola fears, as top UN officials visit outbreak epicentre in DR Congo UN News 07 Nov 2018 -- The World Health Organization (WHO), and Ugandan Ministry of Health, have begun vaccinating frontline health workers in the country against Ebola, in a bid to stop an outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic of Congo (DRC) from crossing the border.
Dunford Discusses Military Support to DHS AFPS 06 Nov 2018 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff laid out the process for military support to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during a discussion with students in Duke University's Program in American Grand Strategy yesterday.
Akayed Ullah Convicted for Detonation of a Bomb in New York City US Dept. of Justice 06 Nov 2018 -- Akayed Ullah, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, and a lawful permanent resident from Bangladesh, was convicted today on all six counts of the Indictment, which
US Mail Bomb Suspect Ordered to Remain Held Without Bail VOA 06 Nov 2018 -- An American charged with mailing pipe bombs to high-profile Democratic politicians and other critics of U.S. President Donald Trump was ordered held without bail Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York.
Statement From Attorney General Sessions on the Drug Enforcement Administration's 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment US Dept. of Justice 02 Nov 2018 -- "Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released its 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, a comprehensive, strategic assessment of the illicit drug threats facing the United States. Attorney General Sessions made the following statement about the report:"
No Sign Islamic State Trying to Sneak Across US Southern Border VOA 02 Nov 2018 -- Fears that Middle Eastern terrorists affiliated with Islamic State (IS) are trying to sneak into the United States from Mexico appear to be overblown.
More Than 8,000 US Troops Deployed to Southern Border VOA 02 Nov 2018 -- The number of U.S. troops deploying to the U.S. southern border has increased to more than 8,000, two U.S. defense officials told VOA Friday.
ONDCP Releases Data on Coca Cultivation and Cocaine Production in Peru and Bolivia The White House 02 Nov 2018
Trump says U.S. could send up to 15,000 troops to U.S.-Mexican border People's Daily 01 Nov 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that up to 15,000 military personnel could be sent to the southern border with Mexico to help defend against a caravan of Central American migrants.

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November 2018 Security News