February 2024 Security News

CISA, U.S. and International Partners Warn of Ongoing Exploitation of Multiple Ivanti Vulnerabilities CISA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Center (ASD's ACSC), United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), a part of the Communications Security Establishment, and New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-NZ) released a Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) today in response to the active exploitation of multiple vulnerabilities within Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure gateways.
Statement from President Biden on Addressing National Security Risks to the U.S. Auto Industry The White House 29 Feb 2024
Citing National Security Concerns, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Inquiry into Connected Vehicles US Dept. of Commerce 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Department of Commerce Begins Regulatory Process to Consider National Security Risks Posed by ICTS Integral to Connected Vehicles
US Investigating Potential Security Threats From Connected Cars VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- The United States announced Thursday it is launching an investigation into potential security threats posed by connected vehicles that utilize technology from countries of concern such as China.
Biden restricts US data flows to 'hostile countries' IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- US President Joe Biden has issued a new executive order limiting the transfer of personal data of American citizens to countries Washington deems hostile such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela.
Artificial Intelligence Is Game Changer for Election Interference, FBI Warns VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. security officials are bracing for an onslaught of fast-paced influence operations, from a wide range of adversaries, aimed at impacting the country's coming presidential election.
Readout of Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary Canegallo's Participation in the U.S.-India Homeland Security Dialogue DHS 29 Feb 2024
Iranian National Charged for Multi-Year Hacking Campaign Targeting U.S. Defense Contractors and Private Sector Companies US Dept. of Justice 29 Feb 2024 -- The Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging an Iranian national with involvement in a cyber-enabled campaign to compromise U.S. governmental and private entities, including the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and State, defense contractors, and two New York-based companies.
Press Release: 23rd Global Counterterrorism Forum Coordinating Committee Meeting Hosted by New Member Kenya Global Counterterrorism Forum 29 Feb 2024 -- The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) - a platform for multilateral engagement to prevent and counter terrorism - held its 23rd Coordinating Committee Meeting on 29 February in Nairobi, Kenya.
Biden, Trump Make Dueling Visits to US-Mexico Border VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump visited the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday. While Biden urged Congress to reconsider a bipartisan immigration bill that fell apart in the Senate, Trump focused on crimes committed by migrants.
Somali Military Court Sentences Six Moroccans to Death for Terrorism VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- A military court in northern Somalia has sentenced six Moroccan nationals to death on terrorism charges, prosecutors and court officials tell VOA.
With Back-to-Back Actions, Biden Spotlights China Data Security Threat VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Biden administration launched a series of actions against China in recent days, sustaining pressure against the United States' key strategic rival even as it focuses on more urgent fronts, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
US smearing China on data security 'absurd'; Washington urged to listen to market concerns instead of blind suppression Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the US to stop slandering and smearing China on data security, and maintain an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment, after the Biden administration on Wednesday unveiled an executive order barring genomic data transfers to China over the repeatedly cited claim of national security.
US asked to stop smearing China on data security, to promote orderly flow of global data Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry urged the US to stop slandering and smearing China on data security, and maintain an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment, spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference on Thursday.
U.S. Semiconductor Firms, Having Outsourced Production Overseas, Struggle To Trace Evasion RFE/RL 28 Feb 2024 -- U.S. semiconductor firms must strengthen oversight of their foreign partners and work more closely with the government and investigative groups, a group of experts told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, saying the outsourcing of production overseas has made tracking chip sales more difficult, enabling sanctions evasion by Russia and other adversaries.
US, Mexico, Guatemala Boost Cooperation to Control Migrant Arrivals at Southern Border VOA 28 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted a meeting Wednesday in Washington with top Mexican and Guatemalan officials to discuss managing irregular migration, displacement, and expanding lawful immigration pathways in the Western Hemisphere.
Joint Statement on Charting a New Path for Hemispheric Migration Partnership at Trilateral Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 28 Feb 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Guatemala, and Mexico on the occasion of a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting in Washington, DC.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena, and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez before the U.S.-Mexico-Guatemala Trilateral Migration Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 28 Feb 2024
Senior Administration Officials Previewing the U.S.-Mexico-Guatemala Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on Migration US Dept. of State 28 Feb 2024
Treasury Sanctions Guatemala's Los Pochos Drug Trafficking Organization, Members, and Companies US Treasury 28 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) redesignated, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, the Los Pochos Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), and designated three members and four affiliated companies based in Guatemala. First sanctioned in 2019 pursuant to the Kingpin Act, the Los Pochos DTO is a Guatemala-based organizationprimarily engaged in cocaine trafficking from Guatemala through Mexico to the United States. Today's action places renewed attention on the Los Pochos DTO following a change in leadership and involvement of its members in local Guatemalan politics. The Los Pochos DTO controls narcotics trafficking activities on the Guatemala-Mexico border and is associated with Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world's most notorious drug trafficking organizations.
Counter ISIS Finance Group Leaders Issue Joint Statement US Treasury 27 Feb 2024 -- On January 30 and 31, the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia hosted virtually the 19th meeting of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), a working group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of State jointly represented the United States at this event, which included over 40 member states and observers.
Remarks from Deputy Assistant Secretary Jesse Baker at Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Meeting US Treasury 27 Feb 2024 -- On Tuesday, February 20, the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) hosted a capacity building workshop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on terrorist financing concerns linked to maritime security. The workshop aimed to continue TFTC's efforts on sharing risks and building partners' collective understanding of emerging maritime threats, sharing experiences of how different governments have approached this issue, determining how they relate to TFTC's broader counterterrorism mission, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration to secure the Gulf's waterways.
Top Lawmaker Warns US 'Less Prepared' for Election Meddling VOA 27 Feb 2024 -- The United States might not be ready for the onslaught of disinformation and cyberattacks expected to hit the country ahead of this year's presidential elections, according to a top U.S. lawmaker.
Shan state leader denies nuclear trafficking links Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2024 -- A leader of Myanmar's ethnic Shan rebel group has denied any connections to the Japanese yakuza leader who was charged in New York with attempting to traffick weapons-grade nuclear materials.
FATF Advances Work to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing US Treasury 23 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setting body for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), concluded its fifth Plenary under the Singaporean presidency. The FATF made several key advances, including kicking off a public consultation on potential changes to the FATF Recommendation on wire transfer information and the adoption of new guidance on trusts. The FATF also noted its concern on Russian Federation's growing financial connectivity with North Korea and Iran.
Beijing sees influenza, COVID-19 coexistence in respiratory infectious diseases Global Times 23 Feb 2024 -- Beijing is currently experiencing a situation in which respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 are coexisting, with the prevalence of the influenza virus showing a slight downward trend recently, the Beijing center for disease control and prevention said on Thursday.
Biden's executive order targeting cybersecurity in ports 'based on groundless accusations' Global Times 23 Feb 2024 -- After continuous hype against so-called Chinese cybersecurity threats, which the Chinese foreign ministry has repeatedly refuted as groundless, the Biden administration announced a slew of actions to bolster its so called maritime cybersecurity of US ports in an executive order on Wednesday. Analysts warned of more follow-up trade protection measures and a negative impact on its own economic activities.
China's National Narcotics Laboratory to leverage its technical support role in China-US drug control cooperation Global Times 22 Feb 2024 -- China's National Narcotics Laboratory will leverage its technical support role in bilateral drug control cooperation between China and the US, the Global Times learned on Thursday, after recent close interactions on drug control between Chinese and American senior officials. The technical director of the laboratory hoped to restore previous pragmatic and efficient cooperation status between the two countries.
Yakuza leader charged over Myanmar nuclear trafficking Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2024 -- A member of a Japanese yakuza criminal syndicate has been charged with trafficking weapons-grade nuclear materials after an arrest in New York that followed an alleged attempt to sell plutonium and uranium to an undercover agent he believed was an Iranian general.
Biden unveils $20 billion for US port security Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that creates new rules to bolster security at American ports, while also committing $20 billion to shift away from the use of Chinese-made cranes that officials are at risk of being seized remotely and shut down.
US Moves to Shore Up Port Security Against Cyberattacks VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The White House is moving forward with reforms aimed at shoring up cybersecurity at U.S. ports, some of which may already be in danger of falling under the sway of hackers linked to China.
On-the-Record Press Call on the Biden-?Harris Administration Initiative to Bolster the Cybersecurity of U.S. Ports The White House 21 Feb 2024
FACT SHEET: Biden-?Harris Administration Announces Initiative to Bolster Cybersecurity of U.S. Ports The White House 21 Feb 2024
Executive Order on Amending Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States The White House 21 Feb 2024
Federal Council opens consultation on draft legislation to ban Hamas Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 Feb 2024 -- Switzerland is to ban Hamas. The Federal Council decided at its meeting on 21 February to open the consultation on the necessary legal basis. The ban will also include Hamas cover and successor organisations as well as organisations that act on its behalf or in its name.
Reward Offers for Information on LockBit Leaders and Designating Affiliates US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2024 -- The Department of State is announcing reward offers totaling up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of any individual participating in a LockBit ransomware variant attack and for information leading to the identification and/or location of any key leaders of the LockBit ransomware group.
Justice Department Announces Nuclear Materials Trafficking Charges Against Japanese Yakuza Leader US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2024 -- Takeshi Ebisawa, Leader within the Yakuza Transnational Organized Crime Syndicate, Allegedly Trafficked Nuclear Materials, Including Uranium and Weapons-Grade Plutonium
International investigation disrupts the world's most harmful cyber crime group NCA 20 Feb 2024 -- The National Crime Agency is today, Tuesday 20 February, revealing details of an international disruption campaign targeting LockBit, the world's most harmful cyber crime group.
U.S. and U.K. Disrupt LockBit Ransomware Variant US Dept. of Justice 20 Feb 2024 -- The Department of Justice joined the United Kingdom and international law enforcement partners in London today to announce the disruption of the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most active ransomware groups in the world that has targeted over 2,000 victims, received more than $120 million in ransom payments, and made ransom demands totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
British, U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies Disrupt Ransomware Group Linked To Russia RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- U.S. and British officials on February 20 announced that they had infiltrated and disrupted a Russian-linked ransomware cybercrime group known as LockBit, arresting two Russian nationals in Poland and Ukraine, and indicting two others in the United States.
United States Sanctions Affiliates of Russia-Based LockBit Ransomware Group US Treasury 20 Feb 2024 -- Today, the United States is designating two individuals who are affiliates of the Russia-based ransomware group LockBit. This action is the first in an ongoing collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our international partners targeting LockBit.
US Sees China Taking 'Concrete Steps' to Counter Drug Trade VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- A high-level meeting between the top U.S. homeland security official and his Chinese counterpart is giving Washington reason to hope that current talks may eventually help stem the flow of drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.
Foreign ministry slams FBI director's accusations against China over cyberattacks as 'baseless, irresponsible' Global Times 19 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson slammed the US on Monday, saying without valid evidence, FBI director Christopher Wray jumped to an unwarranted conclusion and made groundless accusations against China over cyberattacks. It is extremely irresponsible and is a complete distortion of facts.
Readout of Secretary Mayorkas's Bilateral Meeting with People's Republic of China State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Vienna, Austria DHS 18 Feb 2024 -- On February 18, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas met with People's Republic of China (PRC) State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Vienna, Austria to advance cooperation with the PRC in the fight against the scourge of fentanyl, its precursor chemicals, and associated equipment.
Epidemiological update on COVID-19 - 16 Feb 2024
U.S. Citizen Charged with Providing Material Support to Isis And Receiving Military-Type Training at Isis Fighter Camp US Dept. of Justice 16 Feb 2024 -- A complaint was unsealed today charging Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, of Minneapolis, with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and receiving and conspiring to receive military-type training from ISIS.
US Cyberattack Hit 2 Iranian Military Ships in Red Sea VOA 16 Feb 2024 -- The United States carried out a cyberattack earlier this month against two Iranian military ships as part of its multipronged response to the killing of three U.S. soldiers by Iran-backed proxies, VOA has confirmed.
Foreign cyber spies attack information systems of key departments, enterprises, stealing sensitive data: China's Ministry of State Security Global Times 16 Feb 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security warned on Friday that in recent years, national security agencies have discovered that foreign cyber spies have continuously attacked the information systems of key departments and enterprises within China, resulting in the theft of important sensitive data and posing a threat to China's data security and cybersecurity.
The UK calls on Iran to use influence to stop Daesh attacks and de-escalate regional tensions: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.
Justice Department Conducts Court-Authorized Disruption of Botnet Controlled by the Russian Federation's Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff (GRU) US Dept. of Justice 15 Feb 2024 -- A January 2024 court-authorized operation has neutralized a network of hundreds of small office/home office (SOHO) routers that GRU Military Unit 26165, also known as APT 28, Sofacy Group, Forest Blizzard, Pawn Storm, Fancy Bear, and Sednit, used to conceal and otherwise enable a variety of crimes.
U.S. Offers Rewards Worth Millions For Info On Russian Ransomware Group RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States on February 15 announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any of the leaders of the Russian-based criminal group known as BlackCat.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in Cybercrime Schemes Involving Tens of Millions of Dollars in Losses US Dept. of Justice 15 Feb 2024 -- A Ukrainian national pleaded guilty today to his role in two separate and wide-ranging malware schemes involving tens of millions of dollars in losses.
Remarks by Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson on Treasury's Efforts to Safeguard the U.S. Financial System from Illicit Finance US Treasury 15 Feb 2024
'Force alone is not the answer' says UN counter-terrorism chief UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- International cooperation is vital to confront the multi-faceted challenges resulting from terrorism, the head of the UN Office dedicated to confronting the scourge worldwide said on Thursday, calling for decisive multilateral action.
Guard Vice Chief Emphasizes Cyber Readiness During Maine Visit Army News 14 Feb 2024 -- The National Guard's motto is "Always Ready, Always There," and for one group of Maine National Guardsmen, being "there" is a loose term with no specific battlefield or location in mind. Being ready is a constant for the small collection of specialized Soldiers and Airmen who operate in an infinite area of responsibility known as cyberspace.
U.S. CDC to drop 5-day COVID-19 isolation guideline: report People's Daily 14 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to drop its five-day COVID-19 isolation recommendations under a new guidance planned by the agency, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
US Homeland Security Chief's Impeachment Trial to Start in Two Weeks VOA 14 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing a Senate trial in two weeks after Republicans in the House of Representatives impeached him by a single vote, blaming him for the tens of thousands of illegal migrants who have crossed into the U.S. from Mexico in the past year.
US House Republicans Impeach Homeland Security Chief VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, claiming he is responsible for a record influx of illegal migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year.
Statement from President Joe Biden on House GOP's Baseless Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas The White House 13 Feb 2024
Cyber Attacks Spike Suddenly Prior to Taiwan's Election VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Chinese-linked cyber actors appear to have made a massive, last-minute push to try to derail Taiwan's recent elections, though the precise goals of the sudden campaign — and the extent to which the attacks succeeded — remain unclear.
Will Disinformation Disrupt the 2024 US Elections? VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- When Russia tried to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, it set off what appeared to be a reckoning with foreign disinformation campaigns in the United States.
Azerbaijan should step up investigations and prosecutions of money laundering and improve supervisory arrangements, says MONEYVAL Council of Europe 12 Feb 2024 -- In the new report published today, Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on Azerbaijan authorities to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering (ML), the financing of terrorism (TF) and financing of proliferation, in particular in the areas of preventive measures and supervision.
Bahraini hackers target US Fifth Fleet, gain access to secret data Press TV 12 Feb 2024 -- Bahraini hackers have penetrated into the systems of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and gained access to confidential documents.
Despite eradication efforts, opium poppy cultivation persists among Hmong in northern Laos Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2024 -- Ethnic Hmong villagers in remote areas of northern Laos are continuing to grow opium poppies despite government eradication efforts, due to long-held beliefs about the crop's medicinal properties, according to officials and residents.
READOUT: Treasury Officials Visit Mexico to Further Collaboration on Illicit Finance US Treasury 12 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Department of the Treasury officials from two key offices involved in the fight against fentanyl and its financing traveled to Mexico last week to meet with counterparts in the Government of Mexico and representatives of the U.S. and Mexican financial sector.
After Years of Captivity, Two Ex-Guantanamo Inmates Return Home VOA 12 Feb 2024 -- Taliban authorities in Afghanistan said Monday that two of its nationals who were detained and rendered to the United States-run prison in Guantanamo Bay more than 20 years ago had returned home.
Pakistan Reports Killing of Two Top Islamic State Leaders VOA 12 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan confirmed Monday that separate counterterrorism raids near the Afghan border within the past week had killed two senior leaders of a regional Islamic State affiliate known as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).
CENTCOM Conducts Week-Long Hackathon CENTCOM 09 Feb 2024 -- In January, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hand-selected 15 coders from across the Department of Defense to participate in a "critical mission" hackathon called SANDTRAP. This hackathon focused on data and software challenges related to countering one-way unmanned aerial systems (cUAS), a mission that is critically important to the protection of U.S. and partner forces in CENTCOM's area of responsibility. The SANDTRAP hackathon served as a special event within the BRAVO series, a DoD-wide recurring hackathon.
International Cybercrime Malware Service Dismantled by Federal Authorities: Key Malware Sales and Support Actors in Malta and Nigeria Charged in Federal Indictments US Dept. of Justice 09 Feb 2024 -- RAT Malware Allowed Cybercriminals to Surreptitiously Connect to Victims' Computers to Steal Data and Engage in Other Malicious Activities Without Victims' Knowledge
Background Press Call on Bilateral Engagements and the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee's Fourth Meeting in Mexico The White House 08 Feb 2024
Joint Statement from Mexico, Canada, and the United States Reaffirming Our Shared Commitment to Address the Regional Challenge of Synthetic Drugs and Firearms Trafficking The White House 08 Feb 2024
Finland updates risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing Finnish Government 08 Feb 2024 -- Unofficial international money remittances involve a very high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. In addition, public authorities responsible for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and other key actors consider the risk to be high for virtual currency providers, banks and payment service providers.
Combating ETIM is China's core concern in counter-terrorism and shared responsibility of intl community: FM Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- The East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a terrorist organization that has planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist attacks both inside and outside of China, has increased its connections with international and regional terrorist forces such as the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda, posing a serious threat to China's overseas interests and the security and stability of relevant countries and regions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Thursday, stressing that combating ETIM is China's core concern in counter-terrorism and shared responsibility of the international community.
Top cop in Savannakhet sacked for underreporting drug seizures Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- The Lao government has fired a high-ranking police officer in southern Savannakhet province for allegedly underreporting drug seizures and selling the remainder for personal profit, but didn't charge him with a criminal offense, officials said.
Iranian Hackers Interrupt UAE Broadcasts With Deepfake News VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Iranian state-backed hackers interrupted TV streaming services in the United Arab Emirates in December to broadcast a deepfake report on the Israel-Hamas war, Microsoft said this week.
China-Linked Hackers Lurk in Critical US Systems VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- China-linked hackers targeting key sectors of the U.S. economy appear to have been hiding in key computer systems and networks for at least five years, according to a new warning from the United States and key allies, who urge companies to take urgent action to mitigate the risk.
China urges U.S. to stop jeopardizing cybersecurity People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- China urged the United States to immediately stop its dangerous, irresponsible behavior to launch indiscriminate cyberattacks and jeopardize cybersecurity, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Treasury Publishes 2024 National Risk Assessments for Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing US Treasury 07 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the 2024 National Risk Assessments on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing. These reports highlight the most significant illicit finance threats, vulnerabilities, and risks facing the United States.
U.S. and International Partners Publish Cybersecurity Advisory on People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Hacking of U.S. Critical Infrastructure CISA 07 Feb 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with key U.S. and international government agencies published a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory today on malicious activity by a People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actor, known as Volt Typhoon, to compromise critical infrastructure and associated actions that should be urgently undertaken by all organizations.
US High Court to Hear Arguments on Trump's Eligibility to Regain Presidency VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments Thursday about whether likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is ineligible for the office and must be excluded from states' ballots because of his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Thousands of cyberattacks against China detected in 2023 with their IP addresses being traced to the Philippines: Chinese cyber security company Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- Thousands of cyberattacks against China were detected in 2023 with their IP addresses being traced to the Philippines, most of which were unsuccessful, the Global Time learned from a Chinese cyber security company on Tuesday, contrary to the baseless accusations and unfounded speculations made by certain officials from the Philippines that China had launched a cyberattack against the Philippine government and officials.
US launches indiscriminate cyberattacks on global scale, including on its allies: reports Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- The US has established a set of capabilities in global surveillance and cyber weapons, serving as a pillar to pursue its goal of cyber hegemony. Cyberattacks by American advanced persistent threat (APT) organizations are carried out indiscriminately around the globe, including even those against its allies, two cybersecurity reports showed on Wednesday.
Man Pleads Guilty to Opioid Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 07 Feb 2024 -- A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy charges.
Treasury Sanctions Ecuador's Notorious Los Choneros Gang and Its Leader US Treasury 07 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one of Ecuador's most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar(also known by the alias "Fito"), pursuant to counter narcotics authorities. OFAC's action follows a steep rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the actions of Los Choneros and other drug trafficking gangs in the country.
U.S. House Republicans fail to impeach homeland security secretary over border security People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- In a major blow to the Republicans, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday survived an impeachment vote over the border security issue in the House of Representatives.
U.S. federal appeals court denies Trump immunity from prosecution People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- In a significant legal development, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Tuesday delivered a ruling denying Donald Trump broad immunity from federal prosecution.
US court rules Trump does not have immunity in election interference trial Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that former President Donald Trump does not have executive immunity in an election interference case lodged against him.
Hicks Underscores U.S. Deterrence Against Attacks on Homeland at Northcom Change of Command DoD News 06 Feb 2024 -- Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks underscored the imperative of maintaining a robust defense against threats to the homeland during a change of command ceremony yesterday at U.S. Northern Command headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
Trump Not Immune From Prosecution in Election Subversion Case, US Appeals Court Rules VOA 06 Feb 2024 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump is not immune from being prosecuted on charges that he illegally plotted to overturn his 2020 reelection loss to stay in power, a U.S. appellate court panel in Washington unanimously ruled Tuesday.
Two terrorists arrested in southeastern Iran: Police IRNA 06 Feb 2024 -- Police forces have arrested a member of the Daesh terrorist group as well as an element of the Ansar al-Furqan terrorist organization in Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran.
Two terrorists arrested in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Press TV 06 Feb 2024 -- Iran's police have identified and detained two members of the terrorist groups of Daesh and the so-called Ansar al-Furqan in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Announcement of a Visa Restriction Policy to Promote Accountability for the Misuse of Commercial Spyware US Dept. of State 05 Feb 2024 -- The State Department is implementing a new policy today that will allow the imposition of visa restrictions on individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware.
Bombing in Greek Capital Triggers Concerns of Terrorism Resurgence VOA 05 Feb 2024 -- A powerful bomb blast in central Athens has sent shock waves across the country with authorities concerned about what they call a new era of terrorism.
Japan 'rushing' to improve defense networks amid Chinese attack concerns Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2024 -- Japan is currently inspecting classified defense networks of major government agencies that have been reportedly compromised by China and "rushing to come up with" countermeasures, according to media reports.
Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the Bipartisan National Security Agreement in the U.S. Senate DHS 04 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on the bipartisan national security agreement in the U.S. Senate:
COVID-19 epidemic at low level but may rise during Spring Festival: National Health Commission Global Times 04 Feb 2024 -- The National Health Commission (NHC) on Sunday said that at present, the COVID-19 epidemic is at a low level in China, but recent surveillance data showed positive case reports have increased slightly, suggesting that the epidemic is on the rise. Due to factors such as the inter-regional movement of people and the increase of crowd gathering around the Spring Festival, the number of COVID-19 cases is expected to rise, according to the health authority.
Cyber Command Flag Passed to Air Force General at Fort Meade Ceremony DoD News 03 Feb 2024 -- Leaders from the Defense Department and intelligence community gathered at Fort Meade, Maryland, yesterday for the change of command ceremony of U.S. Cyber Command, as Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone passed the flag to Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh.
Designating Iranian Cyber Officials US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2024 -- The United States is today designating the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber-Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC), an organization that has been responsible for a series of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the United States and other countries, and five of its senior officials.
Treasury Sanctions Actors Responsible for Malicious Cyber Activities on Critical Infrastructure US Treasury 02 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned six officials in the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber-Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC), an Iranian government organization responsible for a series of malicious cyber activities against critical infrastructure in the United States and other countries.
Counterterrorism: EU and UK hold dialogue on shared priorities and approaches European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Feb 2024 -- The European Union and the United Kingdom held their first ever Counterterrorism Dialogue in Brussels on 2 February. The Dialogue focused on enhancing cooperation and coordination in countering and preventing terrorism and violent extremism.
The first UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels UK FCDO 02 Feb 2024 -- The inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in Brussels on 2 February 2024, to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism.
Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at the U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency Change of Command (As Delivered) DoD 02 Feb 2024
UN: Al-Qaida, Afghan Taliban Assist TTP With Attacks in Pakistan VOA 01 Feb 2024 -- A new United Nations report warns that al-Qaida has established eight new training camps in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and is increasingly assisting anti-Pakistan militants to launch cross-border attacks.
China slams U.S. over slanderous cybersecurity accusations People's Daily 02 Feb 2024 -- A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry on Thursday said that China urges the United States to stop its worldwide cyber espionage and cyberattacks, and stop smearing other countries under the excuse of cybersecurity.
U.S. Can Respond Decisively to Cyber Threat Posed by China DoD News 01 Feb 2024 -- The cyber challenge posed by China is unlike any challenge ever faced by the U.S. and its allies, said the commander of United States Cyber Command.
FBI hypes groundless 'China cyberattack threat' to maximize its own power: experts Global Times 01 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday slammed the groundless accusation made by the chief of the FBI about "China's plan to take down US' domestic infrastructure" in the scenario of the two superpowers going to war over the Taiwan question, with analysts saying that US intelligence and espionage agencies have hyped the "China threat" again and again to maximize their own power to spy on other countries and to strengthen surveillance against the American people.
Launch of United States-People's Republic of China Counternarcotics Working Group US Dept. of State 01 Feb 2024 -- On January 30, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jen Daskal led a U.S. interagency delegation to Beijing, the People's Republic of China, to coordinate efforts to counter the global manufacturing and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. The

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February 2024 Security News