The Department of Homeland Security recently obtained an intelligence analysis from ABC News that shows threats from foreign terrorist organizations and cyber threats from adversaries such as Russia, including election interventions. Warned that it could increase in the year.
The June 8 document entitled "Major Threats to Homeland in 2022" states that the biggest threat to the United States this year is with lonely wolf actors and grocery stores. Extremist beliefs, such as the suspected shooter in Buffalo, NY, currently accused of hate crimes for killing 10 African-American shoppers. Federal law enforcement agencies, including the DHS and the Department of Justice, have previously prioritized the fight against domestic violent extremism since the inauguration of the Biden administration.
However, the DHS also warned of the possibility of a resurgence of foreign terrorism due to the pandemic relaxation of the travel ban, saying it was "very noticeable" online.
"Foreign terrorists will probably continue to hone their ability to promote overseas travel, expand their networks, raise funds, organize, and ultimately target the United States and their homeland. It will improve, "the report said. "Some trips are very likely reduced by COVID-19 travel restrictions, but as travel restrictions are relaxed, threats from these parties are expected to increase in 2022.
DHS says that some people with terrorist connections travel to the United States to apply for a tourist visa.
"This rating reinforces the United States' continued experience of unacceptable levels of violence by individuals inspired by extremist content advertised online by various threat actors at home and abroad. Other information that indicates that we are doing, "says John Cohen. A contributor to ABC News and a former Deputy Deputy Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of DHS. "Law enforcement officers are particularly concerned about the potential for targeted violence against law enforcement, elections and other elected authorities, as calls for violence by domestic violent extremists are increasing. I'm concerned. "
According to the Ministry of Land Security, threats to the country's cyberspace come from three countries: China, Russia and Iran. Russia may also leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, according to the DHS, targeting and dissipating critical U.S. infrastructure through a variety of cyberattacks, similar to the last election. continue.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mallorcas (left) said May 2022. Anthony Crane of the US Border Guard patrols part of the border wall in Hidalgo, Texas on the 17th.
Joel Martinez / Monitor via AP, file
"Russia's malicious and influential actors discourage US voters from participating in the 2022 midterm elections, using similar tactics adopted in the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections. You may try, or praise the candidate from one of the parties. "
"Russia may probably use new technologies to intensify its cyber and malicious influence efforts when trying to influence the outcome of U.S. elections. For example, advances in artificial intelligence will enable the automation of data analysis, classification, creation, and manipulation. Digital content that may be deployed in future foreign malicious impact and information disclosure campaigns {
Russia is incorporating intelligence officers "to set up front-end companies, recruit Russian Emigres and American citizens to steal U.S. confidential, government, and business information," according to the ministry. increase.
"This is illegal, as various national and international threat actors use Internet-based communication platforms to disagree, stimulate violence, undermine confidence in government agencies, and more. It's a threatening environment that spreads content aimed at achieving that goal, "said ABC News contributor Cohen.
China's state support actors said, "We are actively targeting US political, economic, military, education, and critical infrastructure personnel and organizations for sensitive data, key technologies, and intelligence. Steals property and personally identifiable information. " The
department has assessed that PRC-sponsored hacks have endangered at least 30,000 organizations by exploiting email servers, DHS says.
"China aims to engage in various activities to support Beijing and its profitable policies, prioritizing messages to the US audience for the midterm elections and political achievements It is highly likely that it will affect Beijing. It is in favor of Beijing. "
China's malicious impact campaign "has at least 30 social media platforms and more than 40 in several languages including English, Russian, German, Spanish, Korean and Japanese. We are targeting US viewers using our website and niche forums. ”
In addition, according to DHS, ransomware will continue to grow as it is beneficial to cyber criminals. ..
"Short-term ransomware attacks targeting US networks and infrastructure as cybercriminals develop effective business models to increase financial gain, potential for success, and anonymity. We appreciate that it will increase both in the target and in the long run, "said the ministry.
This breaking news was first reported by The Daily Beast.
