August 2024 Security News

Zambia warns it will tighten cybersecurity laws VOA 30 Aug 2024 -- Authorities in Zambia have announced measures to tighten enforcement of cybersecurity laws, saying the move is aimed at curbing online hate speech, propaganda, defamation and child abuse. But critics say the change is aimed at clamping down on freedom of expression.
Tennessee Guardsmen Help Battle East Tennessee Wildfires Army News 29 Aug 2024 -- The Tennessee National Guard battled wildfires from the air in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week.
The Federal Government agrees on a security package - Greater security for Germany Germany - Federal Government 29 Aug 2024 -- The Federal Government has agreed on a package of measures for improving the security situation in Germany. These will make it easier to carry out deportations and strengthen authorities in their fight against violent Islamism, as well as further tightening weapons legislation.
Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Burkina Faso UN Security Council 29 Aug 2024
DOD Will Provide Homeland With Support During Presidential Campaigns DoD News 29 Aug 2024 -- The Defense Department has approved a request by the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to the Secret Service for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the 2024 campaigns through Inauguration Day 2025, the deputy pentagon press secretary said today.
Kentucky Guard Connects Regions in Natural Disaster Prep Army News 28 Aug 2024 -- Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard's communication/IT support section's Mission Command shop mobilized to western Kentucky to conduct an emergency deployment readiness exercise Aug. 12-16.
Russian hacker attacks target former US ambassadors, reveal prior penetration VOA 28 Aug 2024 -- Russian opposition politician Ilya Ponomarev says he saw no reason to be suspicious when he received what appeared to be an email from former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, a trusted contact with whom he communicates periodically.
Nigeria becomes first in Africa to receive mpox vaccines: WHO UN News 28 Aug 2024 -- Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines on Tuesday, becoming the first African country to obtain vaccines aimed at combating the spread of the new strain of mpox virus.
Nigeria receives 10,000 mpox vaccine doses from USAID VOA 28 Aug 2024 -- Nigeria has received its first shipment of mpox vaccines, donated by the United States, to combat the ongoing outbreak of the disease. This comes amid a sharp rise in cases across Africa with the Democratic Republic of Congo and East African nations reporting the majority of infections.
Vaccine shortage hinders mpox inoculation in Africa VOA 27 Aug 2024 -- The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the continent needs 10 million doses of mpox vaccines to stop the spread of the disease, which it recently declared a public health emergency.
Africa: Refugees and displaced face heightened threat from mpox outbreak UN News 27 Aug 2024 -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that the mpox outbreak could have devastating effects on refugees and displaced families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other affected African countries if urgent support is not forthcoming.
6th meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism India MEA 25 Aug 2024 -- The 6th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Working Group on Counter- Terrorism was held on 23 August 2024 in Jakarta.
FBI raids home of Russian state TV commentator in election-meddling probe VOA 23 Aug 2024 -- An FBI raid on a house about an hour outside Washington this month renewed focus on U.S. efforts to combat foreign interference in the 2024 election.
Iran arrests 14 Daesh terrorists in four provinces IRNA 23 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry has announced the arrest of 14 Daesh-Khorasan terrorists in four provinces across the country.
Iran captures 14 Daesh members seeking to carry out terrorist attacks Press TV 23 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry says it has arrested 14 members of the Daesh terrorist group, foiling their plots to carry out terror attacks inside the country.
WHO seeks $135 million to defeat mpox UN News 23 Aug 2024 -- The current mpox outbreak "can be controlled and can be stopped", the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized on Friday, announcing an action plan that calls for $135 million over the next six months.
Iran Tries To 'Storm' U.S. Election With Russian-Style Disinformation Campaign RFE/RL 23 Aug 2024 -- Iran is striking out left and right in an attempt to interfere with the U.S. presidential election in November with the help of slick-looking websites, hackers, and phishing attacks.
FDA approves new COVID-19 vaccines VOA 22 Aug 2024 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved on Thursday updated COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna designed to target currently circulating COVID-19 strains and offer better protections against the virus's severe symptoms.
Thailand reports suspected first case of new, menacing mpox variant VOA 22 Aug 2024 -- Thai health officials are reporting the suspected first case of the new, more dangerous strain of mpox in the country, in a European traveler who arrived in Thailand from Africa last week.
United States Files Suit Against the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech Research Corporation Alleging Cybersecurity Violations US Dept. of Justice 22 Aug 2024 -- The United States joined a whistleblower suit and filed a complaint-in-intervention against the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Georgia Tech Research Corp. (GTRC) asserting claims that those defendants knowingly failed to meet cybersecurity requirements in connection with the Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. GTRC is an affiliate of Georgia Tech that contracts with government agencies for work to be performed at Georgia Tech. The whistleblower suit was initiated by current and former members of Georgia Tech's Cybersecurity team.
U.S. logs severe summer surge in COVID-19 cases amid new challenges People's Daily 21 Aug 2024 -- Recent weeks have witnessed a substantial wave of COVID-19 infections across the United States, primarily driven by the emergence of new variants and exacerbated by the hot summer weather.
COVID-19 to be renamed in Taiwan with new definition for reported cases CNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The official name of COVID-19 in Taiwan will be changed to "Severe Complicated COVID-19" starting in September, with a revised definition for COVID-19 cases that need to be reported, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.
COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 predominant in U.S. as infections continue ticking up People's Daily 21 Aug 2024 -- The KP.3.1.1 COVID-19 variant, now the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating in the United States, has been causing increasing infections in the country, the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed.
Iran rejects 'unsubstantiated' US election campaign hacking claims IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has roundly rejected allegations about Tehran's interference in the 2024 US presidential election, calling the claim "unsubstantiated".
Sanctions on Former Haitian President Michel Martelly for Drug Trafficking US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024 -- Today, the United States is designating Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in the global illicit drug trade.
Treasury Sanctions Former Haitian President for Drug Trafficking US Treasury 20 Aug 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the former President of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly (Martelly), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 of December 15, 2021, "Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade."
Europe can defeat mpox, must support Africa in getting vaccines: WHO UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- Mpox is "not the 'new COVID'" and European governments need to show strong political commitment to eliminate it, while standing in solidarity with Africa, a top official of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
Botswana begins mpox screening at entry points VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Health officials in Botswana have started screening travelers for mpox at the country's entry points.
UN chief highlights 'unimaginable grief' stemming from terror attacks UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General has paid tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism just ahead of the international day which spotlights the issue each year.
IT Systems Security Cooperation Summit: enhancing integration among Allies and partners EUCOM 19 Aug 2024 -- USEUCOM's cyber directorate concluded its 2024 Command, Control, Computers and Communications (C4) Security Cooperation Summit on Aug. 9, 2024, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, after bringing together more than 80 representatives from multiple U.S. organizations to assist in C4 security cooperation planning.
Officials: Pakistan mpox strain is different from DRC strain VOA 19 Aug 2024 -- A case of the mpox virus detected in Pakistan last week is not the same strain of the virus spreading on the African continent, Pakistan health officials said Monday.
First meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024 WHO 19 Aug 2024
Joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA Statement on Iranian Election Influence Efforts Director of National Intelligence 19 Aug 2024 -- "As each of us has indicated in prior public statements, Iran seeks to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions. Iran has furthermore demonstrated a longstanding interest in exploiting societal tensions through various means, including through the use of cyber operations to attempt to gain access to sensitive information related to U.S. elections."
Wang Yi urges stronger cooperation to combat cross-border crime Global Times 18 Aug 2024 -- Chinese observers on Sunday hailed the significance of a proposal made by China's top diplomat Wang Yi, who underscored the urgent need for intensified regional cooperation to combat the growing threat of cross-border crime, including online gambling and telecom fraud, during a recent informal meeting with foreign ministers from Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand in Chiang Mai. Experts said that Wang's proposal embodies pragmatic cooperation in the region, with China's initiatives and leadership playing a crucial role.
The 2024 U.S.-Ukraine Cyber Dialogue US Dept. of State 16 Aug 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Ukraine on the occasion of the sixth U.S.-Ukraine Cyber Dialogue.
Man Arrested for Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility US Dept. of Justice 15 Aug 2024 -- Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Florida, is charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing yesterday, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial.
WHO declares mpox global public health emergency People's Daily 15 Aug 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Wednesday mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), sounding the alarm over its potential for further international transmission.
WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency VOA 14 Aug 2024 -- The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern at a meeting on Wednesday.
WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern WHO 14 Aug 2024 -- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
14th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter- Terrorism India MEA 13 Aug 2024 -- The 14th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter- Terrorism was held on 12 August 2024 in New Delhi.
Alleged leader of cybercriminals extradited to US VOA 13 Aug 2024 -- The alleged leader of an international computer hacking and wire fraud operation has been extradited to the United States from Poland to face cybercrime charges in New Jersey and Virginia, U.S. officials said.
Epidemiological update on COVID-19 - 13 Aug 2024
Iran rejects claims about hacking Trump's presidential campaign Press TV 11 Aug 2024 -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations has rejected claims about hacking the campaign of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, saying the Islamic Republic attaches no credit to such accusations.
Iran rejects claims of involvement in Trump's campaign hacking IRNA 11 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has roundly rejected allegations about Tehran's role in hacking the election campaign of former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump, saying the Islamic Republic has no purpose or motive to interfere in the American presidential election.
Sinaloa cartel cofounder claims he was forced to come to US VOA 11 Aug 2024 -- Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, cofounder of the Sinaloa drug cartel, claims he was kidnapped and is sitting in a U.S. federal prison cell in Texas because he trusted Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the "Los Chapitos," the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, his cartel cofounder.
July sees rise in COVID-19 cases in China; experts dismiss concerns saying no major strain on population, healthcare Global Times 10 Aug 2024 -- Chinese social media platforms have recently seen a rise in posts of COVID-19 reinfections, sparking concerns over a potential resurgence of the virus. Chinese experts suggested that although positive cases have increased in July compared to the previous month, the rise is within normal fluctuation ranges and will not place a significant strain on the country's healthcare system.
Alaska Guard Assists Juneau Following Glacial Flooding Army News 09 Aug 2024 -- The Alaska National Guard activated Juneau Guardsmen Aug. 7 to assist with recovery and cleanup following recent flooding after the Mendenhall Glacier's Suicide Basin released.
Press release on the approval of a draft international convention on combating cybercrime by the United Nations Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Aug 2024
Memorandum on the Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia The White House 09 Aug 2024
Two Iranian Nationals and One Pakistani National Indicted for Providing Material Support to Terrorists US Dept. of Justice 08 Aug 2024 -- A superseding indictment was returned yesterday charging two Iranian citizens, brothers Shahab Mir'kazei (Shahab) and Yunus Mir'kazei (Yunis), and one Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Pahlawan, for conspiring to provide and providing material support to Iran's weapons of mass destruction program resulting in death and conspiring to commit violence against maritime navigation and maritime transport involving weapons of mass destruction resulting in death.
UN counter-terrorism chief highlights Da'esh surge, calling for global action UN News 08 Aug 2024 -- Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) and its affiliates have expanded their activities and finances in several parts of Africa, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, resulting in a major spike in attacks and civilian fatalities, a senior UN counter-terrorism official warned the Security Council on Thursday.
Strong, Human Rights-Centred Action, State Cooperation Crucial to Combating Terrorism, Speakers Stress during Security Council's Biannual Briefing on Threat Posed by ISIL UN Security Council 08 Aug 2024 -- The complex terrorism landscape, with terrorist groups expanding in West Africa and the Sahel, and improving capabilities in Afghanistan, calls for robust counter-terrorism efforts, State cooperation and human-rights centered approaches, the Security Council heard today at a briefing on the Secretary-General's biannual report on the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh).
UN sees rising threat of IS-Khorasan attacks outside Afghanistan VOA 08 Aug 2024 -- The head of the United Nations counterterrorism office warned Thursday that there is a risk of the Afghanistan-based Islamic State affiliate IS-Khorasan carrying out attacks abroad.
UN warns Daesh Afghanistan branch posing threats to Europe, beyond Press TV 08 Aug 2024 -- A UN counter-terrorism official has warned that the notorious Daesh terrorist group in Afghanistan poses the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe and beyond.
"We cannot lose focus in the fight against Daesh": UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Aug 2024 -- Security Council Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
Counter ISIS Finance Group Leaders Issue Joint Statement US Treasury 08 Aug 2024 -- On July 23 and 24, the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia hosted virtually the 20th meeting of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) under the auspices 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 50 member states and observers.
Florida Guard Supports Hurricane Debby Response DoD News 06 Aug 2024 -- Florida National Guardsmen are assisting residents of the state affected by Hurricane Debby.
U.S.-PRC Counternarcotics Working Group Progress on Illicit Synthetic Drugs Including Fentanyl US Dept. of State 06 Aug 2024 -- Last week, the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) convened a meeting of senior officials in Washington, DC, as part of the U.S.-PRC Counternarcotics Working Group (CNWG).
Statement from NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on the PRC's Announcement of Fentanyl Scheduling Actions The White House 06 Aug 2024
COVID-19 making worrying comeback WHO warns, amid summertime surge UN News 06 Aug 2024 -- COVID-19 infections are surging worldwide - including at the Olympics - and are unlikely to decline anytime soon, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday.
WHO: Governments unprepared to combat global COVID-19 surge VOA 06 Aug 2024 -- The World Health Organization is warning that governments throughout the world are unprepared to combat the global surge of COVID-19, which is putting millions of people at risk of severe disease and death.
South Korea warns against North's hacking of construction data Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2024 -- South Korea's cybersecurity authorities warned about attempts by North Korea to hack construction and machinery information to steal data to support its development efforts.
Australia raises official terror threat level to 'probable' VOA 05 Aug 2024 -- Australia has raised its official terror alert level to "probable" amid community tensions over the war in Gaza, with the nation's intelligence services believing that the domestic and global security environments have become more volatile
Pentagon Chief Revokes Widely Criticized Plea Deal With Three 9/11 Defendants Sputnik 03 Aug 2024 -- The United States Defense Department had revealed in a press release on Wednesday that it had entered into pre-trial plea agreements with three of the defendants accused of having a role in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with victims' groups swiftly responding to the settlement, saying they were "deeply troubled" by it.
Secretary Austin Signs Memo Withdrawing From the Pre-Trial Agreements in the 9/11 Military Commission Cases DoD 02 Aug 2024 -- Today, Secretary Austin signed a memo reserving for himself the specific authority to enter into pre-trial agreements with the accused in the 9/11 military commission cases.
Secretary of Defense Memorandum for Convening Authority for Military Commissions DOD 02 Aug 2024
Readout of the U.S.-PRC Bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group Senior Official Meeting The White House 01 Aug 2024
White House Was Not Aware of Plea Deal Discussions With September 11 Defendants - Kirby Sputnik 01 Aug 2024 -- The White House was not aware of the plea deals with three of the 9/11 defendants until Wednesday and will reach out to the Department of Defense to discuss the issue, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said in an interview with Fox News.
Statement of support for Germany's Attribution of malicious cyber activity Australia DFAT 01 Aug 2024

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August 2024 Security News