TOP OF THE DAY
Adapting to the digital battlefield of the ‘caliphate’ warriors
(Soumya Awasthi – Observer Research Foundation – 2 December 2024) In a world where digital landscapes have become the new battlegrounds, the forces of terrorism are constantly evolving, finding ways to adapt and persevere against tightening restrictions. While traditional battlefields may have been replaced with keyboards and screens, the ideologies and motivations of extremist groups remain as potent as ever. The internet is no longer merely a tool; it has become a powerful weapon for rapidly disseminating ideas, recruitment, and covert communication. As long as technology advances, the war on terror may never truly be “over,” with new methods of resilience and adaptability continually forged by those on the fringes of society. This shift is exemplified by the Voice of Khurasan, an English-language magazine from Al-Azaim Media Foundation, linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). The 39th issue of the magazine offers an alarming strategic guide to its followers, providing detailed advice on concealing identities across the internet and avoiding detection on social media platforms. Drawing historical comparisons, the publication frames these modern tactics through the lens of early Islamic history. It likens the digital struggles of ISKP supporters to the challenges faced by early Muslims who, under severe opposition from the Quraysh in Mecca, migrated to Medina to establish a resilient community under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammed. By invoking this narrative, the article seeks to inspire resilience in today’s digital landscape, stating, “We encounter formidable challenges in the digital realm today.” – https://www.orfonline.org/research/adapting-to-the-digital-battlefield-of-the-caliphate-warriors
Anticipating Biological Risk: A Toolkit for Strategic Biosecurity Policy
(Steph Batalis – Center for Security and Emerging Technology – December 2024) Artificial intelligence (AI) tools pose exciting possibilities to advance scientific, biomedical, and public health research. At the same time, these tools have raised concerns about their potential to contribute to biological threats, like those from pathogens and toxins. This report describes pathways that result in biological harm, with or without AI, and a range of governance tools and mitigation measures to address them. – https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/anticipating-biological-risk-a-toolkit-for-strategic-biosecurity-policy/
Keynes’s ‘Vision 2030’: Social Aspects of GenAI and the Future of Work
(Alexis A. Crow – Observer Research Foundation – 3 December 2024) Current discussions around the macroeconomic impacts of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and its effects on the future of work tend to be sensationalist. Unlike previous waves of automation, GenAI has the capacity to affect tasks and professions of capital holders—or white-collar workers—as well as blue-collar workers—and can also contribute to a widening of the gender gap. Capital holders must strengthen the human aspects of work and invest in the skills which cannot be automated—thus building resilience amidst the ever-changing patterns of demand, technology, and the future of work. – https://www.orfonline.org/research/keynes-s-vision-2030-social-aspects-of-genai-and-the-future-of-work
Top 10 Cyber-Attacks of 2024
(James Coker – Infosecurity Magazine – 2 December 2024) Cyber-attacks have continued to wreak havoc across all industries in 2024, resulting in substantial disruption to organizations and critical services. As with previous years, vast quantities of personal data have been stolen by hackers, often sold to other malicious actors or used to extort victims. Notable themes in 2024 have included rising ransomware attacks on healthcare, a sector no longer ‘off-limits’ among cybercriminals. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news-features/top-cyber-attacks-2024/
New AI tool for air defense takes on advanced missiles and drone swarms
(Patrick Tucker – Defense One – 2 December 2024) A new AI tool from GDIC that quickly fuses data from multiple air-defense sensors could transform how militaries defend against emerging aerial threats such as hypersonic missiles and drone swarms. The proliferation of drones and highly maneuverable missiles has made conventional air defense targeting difficult and increased the complexity of threats from the air. – https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2024/12/new-ai-tool-air-defense-takes-advanced-missiles-and-drone-swarms/401381/?oref=d1-featured-river-top
SECURITY
Crypto.com Launches Massive $2m Bug Bounty Program
(Beth Maundrill – Infosecurity Magazine – 2 December 2024) Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has launched a landmark bug bounty program with HackerOne. The program will provide up to $2m in rewards for the reporting of security vulnerabilities. This represents the largest sum available across all bug bounty programs with HackerOne. Crypto.comoperates a global app which has more than 100 million customers worldwide. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cryptocom-launches-2m-bug-bounty/
SmokeLoader Malware Campaign Targets Companies in Taiwan
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine – 2 December 2024) A sophisticated malware campaign leveraging SmokeLoader has been observed targeting Taiwanese companies across manufacturing, healthcare and IT sectors. SmokeLoader, a modular malware known for its adaptability and evasion techniques, is being used in this attack to directly execute its payloads rather than serving as a downloader for other malicious software. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/smokeloader-malware-taiwan/
Bologna FC Hit By 200GB Data Theft and Ransom Demand
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine – 2 December 2024) One of Italy’s oldest football clubs has become the latest victim of a ransomware attack involving data theft, it has revealed. Bologna FC, which was one of the founding members of Serie A, shared the news in a brief statement on Friday. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/bologna-fc-200gb-data-theft/
Global Police Arrest 5500 in $400m Cyber-Fraud Crackdown
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine – 2 December 2024) Over 5500 individuals have been arrested in a major international policing operation designed to disrupt cyber-enabled fraud. Between July and November 2024, Interpol coordinated Operation Haechi V, which involved law enforcers from over 40 countries and territories. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/police-arrest-5500-cyberfraud/