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I sometimes write about concepts I learn, books I read, or share non-scholarly things I find interesting. Click the /book/ icon to expand content.

The Social Ties that Bind: Unraveling the Role of Trust in International Intelligence Cooperation (Tuinier, Zaalberg & Rietjens)

The Social Ties that Bind: Unraveling the Role of Trust in International Intelligence Cooperation (Tuinier, Zaalberg & Rietjens)

20 March, 2024

#InternationalIntelligence#Trust#Cooperation#SocialRelations

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/08850607.2022.2079161

This paper examines how trust facilitates international intelligence cooperation, challenging the notion that such cooperation is purely transactional. It emphasizes the human aspect and the importance of social relations and trustworthiness perceptions in fostering cooperation. Rational calculations on (shared) threats, scarcity of information, and potential benefits, as well as control of information, may all be important drivers for collaboration, but they insufficiently explain efficient and sustained international intelligence cooperation. The mechanism of social relations and trust, based on perceptions of trustworthiness about (a specific set of) partners, enables organizations to cooperate despite the uncertainty and vulnerability inherently present in the process

Reflexive Control as a Risk Factor for Using OSINT: Insights from the Russia–Ukraine Conflict (Illia Varzhanskyi)

Reflexive Control as a Risk Factor for Using OSINT: Insights from the Russia–Ukraine Conflict (Illia Varzhanskyi)

19 March, 2024

#ReflexiveControl#OSINT#RussiaUkraineConflict#Disinformation#Cybersecurity

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/08850607.2023.2228489

This paper delves into the risks of disinformation in OSINT, using the Russia–Ukraine conflict to explore how reflexive control can manipulate decisions through false data. The article evaluates the influence exerted on the governmental and military decisions by disinformation through open sources, examining several reported cases. Systematization of data on previous attempts at reflexive control, such as Russian information operations, can increase the accuracy of assessing the depth of an enemies’ reflexion, which helps to reveal their operational plans and predict further actions because disinformation often precedes other forms of aggression.

Covert Operations and Official Collaboration: British Intelligence's Dual Approach to Ireland during World War II (Paul McMahon)

Covert Operations and Official Collaboration: British Intelligence's Dual Approach to Ireland during World War II (Paul McMahon)

11 March, 2024

#Covert Operations#British Intelligence#Ireland#World War II#Anglo-Irish Relations

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/02684520308559246

Examines the dual approach of British intelligence towards Ireland during World War II, involving both covert operations and official collaboration. It explores the reasons behind British intelligence's increased interest in Ireland during the war, including concerns about subversive Axis activities, the potential for invasion, and the strategic importance of Irish ports and air bases.

Propaganda intelligence and covert action: the Regional Information Office and British intelligence in South-East Asia, 1949-1961 (Alexander Nicholas Shaw)

Propaganda intelligence and covert action: the Regional Information Office and British intelligence in South-East Asia, 1949-1961 (Alexander Nicholas Shaw)

March 9, 2024

#PropagandaIntelligence#CovertAction#BritishIntelligence#SouthEastAsia#ColdWar

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2019.1659579

Explores the intersections between propaganda, intelligence, and covert action through the experience of Britain’s Regional Information Office (RIO) in Singapore during the Cold War.

British military intelligence in aid of the civil power in England and Wales (Jon Moran)

British military intelligence in aid of the civil power in England and Wales (Jon Moran)

March 8, 2024

#MilitaryIntelligence#DomesticOperations#Peacekeeping#England#Wales

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2017.1385196

Examines the use of military intelligence domestically in England and Wales during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

From countersubversion to counter-insurgency – comparing MI5’s role in British Guiana, Aden and the Northern Ireland civil rights crisis (Tony Craig)

From countersubversion to counter-insurgency – comparing MI5’s role in British Guiana, Aden and the Northern Ireland civil rights crisis (Tony Craig)

March 6, 2024

#MI5#decolonisation#NorthernIreland#BritishGuiana

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2014.970365

This article delves into MI5's operations in various decolonization contexts, focusing on British Guiana, Aden, and the Northern Ireland Troubles. It analyzes MI5's strategies of countersubversion and counter-insurgency and their application in different political scenarios.

U.S. Bans Maker of Spyware That Targeted a Senator's Phone

U.S. Bans Maker of Spyware That Targeted a Senator's Phone

March 5, 2024

#Intellexa#Spyware#Sanctions#Predator#Surveillance

URL: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/rcna141855

The U.S. Treasury Department has issued sanctions against Intellexa, a company notorious for developing Predator spyware, which can convert smartphones into surveillance tools. These sanctions, marking the U.S. government's most stringent measure against a spyware entity, prohibit any transactions with Intellexa, its founder Tal Dilian, employee Sara Hamou, and four associated companies. This action stems from Predator's misuse in targeting journalists, human rights workers, and political figures globally, including European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Taiwan’s outgoing president, Tsai Ing-Wen, among others. The decision underscores the U.S. commitment to combating the use of commercial spyware tools for repression and human rights abuses.

Soviet Intent at the Dawn of the Cold War: Igor Gouzenko’s Revelations About GRU Intelligence Taskings (Kevin Riehle)

Soviet Intent at the Dawn of the Cold War: Igor Gouzenko’s Revelations About GRU Intelligence Taskings (Kevin Riehle)

March 5, 2024

#ColdWar#Espionage#GRU#IgorGouzenko

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2021.1892997

Igor Gouzenko's 1945 defection unveiled GRU's efforts to infiltrate Western military, scientific, and political spheres, indicating Soviet preparations for potential conflict with the US and Great Britain post-WWII.

Agents, Fascists and Provocateurs: Disinformation as an Instrument to Delegitimize Uprisings in Eastern Europe (1953, 1956, 1968) and Its Impact on the Politics of Memory (Moritz Poellate)

Agents, Fascists and Provocateurs: Disinformation as an Instrument to Delegitimize Uprisings in Eastern Europe (1953, 1956, 1968) and Its Impact on the Politics of Memory (Moritz Poellate)

March 4, 2024

#ColdWar#Disinformation#EasternEurope#PoliticsOfMemory

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2021.1918940

This paper examines the Soviet use of disinformation and propaganda during the uprisings in East Germany (1953), Hungary (1956), and Czechoslovakia (1968) to label them as 'fascist coups' or 'NATO plots.' It explores how these narratives justified military interventions and influenced the politics of memory, assessing the long-term distortion of historical events.

The Hughes-Ryan Amendment and Intelligence Oversight: An Inflection Point in an Oppositional Relationship (Frank Leith Jones)

The Hughes-Ryan Amendment and Intelligence Oversight: An Inflection Point in an Oppositional Relationship (Frank Leith Jones)

March 3, 2024

#IntelligenceOversight#HughesRyanAmendment#USCongress

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2022.2070356

The Hughes-Ryan Amendment reshaped intelligence oversight, marking a shift in executive-legislative relations over covert operations. Initially aimed at transparency, it faced limitations but laid the groundwork for future oversight mechanisms.

US Green Berets Establish Permanent Presence in Taiwan

US Green Berets Establish Permanent Presence in Taiwan

March 3, 2024

#USMilitary#Taiwan#GreenBerets#Defense#StrategicAlliance

URL: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5106211

For the first time, US special forces, specifically Green Berets from the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, are permanently stationed in Taiwan, following the implementation of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Stationed at Army amphibious bases in Kinmen and Penghu, these forces are conducting ongoing training missions with Taiwanese special forces units, including joint training on the Black Hornet Nano UAV and other strategic military operations.

Former US Ambassador Admits to Espionage for Cuba

Former US Ambassador Admits to Espionage for Cuba

February 29, 2024

#Espionage#USCubaRelations#NationalSecurity#ManuelRocha

URL: https://news.sky.com/story/former-us-ambassador-manuel-rocha-admits-to-spending-decades-spying-for-cuba-13084418

Manuel Rocha, a former US Ambassador to Bolivia, has confessed to being a covert agent for the Cuban government, a role he undertook prior to and throughout his career with the US State Department. Born in Colombia and a US citizen since the early 1980s, Rocha's espionage activities were unveiled following an FBI investigation, culminating in his arrest in December 2023. His admission to spying for Cuba over decades highlights a significant breach in US national security.

UK's DSMA Committee Faces Challenges in Engaging Big Tech for Media Censorship

UK's DSMA Committee Faces Challenges in Engaging Big Tech for Media Censorship

February 27, 2024

#UK#Censorship#BigTech#DSMA#NationalSecurity

URL: https://www.politico.eu/article/big-tech-repeatedly-snubbed-uk-censorship-board/

Britain's Defence and Security Media Advisory (DSMA) Committee, tasked with preventing the spread of state secrets through media, is facing significant challenges in engaging Big Tech companies like Google, Meta, and X to adhere to its censorship requests. Despite its longstanding influence over traditional British media, the committee's attempts to extend its D-notice system to the digital realm have been repeatedly rejected by these tech giants, complicating efforts to control information flow on social platforms.

Meta's Preparations for EU's 2024 Parliament Elections

Meta's Preparations for EU's 2024 Parliament Elections

February 25, 2024

#Meta#Elections2024#Misinformation#AI#Technology#EU

URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/02/how-meta-is-preparing-for-the-eus-2024-parliament-elections/

Meta, formerly Facebook, gears up for the EU's 2024 Parliament Elections with a comprehensive plan to combat misinformation, influence operations, and the abuse of AI-generated content. The company's initiatives include the activation of an Elections Operations Center, expansion of fact-checking networks, and commitment to responsible technology use.

Massive Data Leak Exposes Sensitive Conversations from Chinese Ministry of Public Security

Massive Data Leak Exposes Sensitive Conversations from Chinese Ministry of Public Security

February 23, 2024

#DataLeak#CyberSecurity#ChineseMinistry#Espionage#GitHubBreach

URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/21/china-hacking-leak-documents-isoon/

A substantial data breach originating from a contractor of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) surfaces on GitHub, revealing sensitive information including spyware and espionage operation details. The leaked documents, although unverified for authenticity, raise concerns about security protocols within the MPS ecosystem and shed light on exchanges hinting at the breach's complexity and extent.

Massive Data Leak Exposes Sensitive Conversation Logs from Chinese Ministry of Public Security

Massive Data Leak Exposes Sensitive Conversation Logs from Chinese Ministry of Public Security

February 22, 2024

#ChineseMinistryOfPublicSecurity#DataBreach#Espionage#CyberSecurity

URL: https://thecyberexpress.com/chinese-ministry-of-public-security-breach/

A substantial data breach from a private contractor of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, known as iSoon or Anxun, has leaked sensitive information on GitHub. This leak includes spyware, espionage operations details, and mentions of a "Twitter Monitoring Platform", mirroring the scale of the NTC Vulkan leak. The breach's content hints at the complexity of the operations and potential security lapses within the MPS ecosystem. Despite attempts to verify the information with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, official acknowledgment remains pending.

How can I build an AI to spread disinformation?

How can I build an AI to spread disinformation?

February 11, 2024

#AI#Disinformation#Technology

URL: https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-disrupts-chinese-botnet-targeting-critical-infrastructure-fbi-says-2024-01-31/

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), the landscape of information dissemination is undergoing a profound transformation. However, alongside its promise for positive innovation, AI also presents a dark underbelly: the weaponization of disinformation. In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged wherein individuals or entities seek to exploit AI for the propagation of falsehoods and misleading narratives, a practice commonly referred to as 'disinformation for hire.'

US Charges Man for Stealing Missile-Tracking Secrets; Iranians Accused of Technology Transfer Schemes

US Charges Man for Stealing Missile-Tracking Secrets; Iranians Accused of Technology Transfer Schemes

February 7, 2024

#USJustice#TechnologyTransfer#NationalSecurity#Iran#China

URL: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-charges-and-arrest-two-separate-illicit-technology-transfer

The U.S. Justice Department announces charges and arrests in two separate cases involving illicit technology transfer schemes benefiting China and Iran. One case involves the arrest of a man accused of stealing trade secrets related to missile detection technology, while the other implicates two Iranian nationals in a conspiracy to export aerospace equipment to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

Google Ends Cached Webpages Feature, Impacting Internet Archival Practices

Google Ends Cached Webpages Feature, Impacting Internet Archival Practices

February 2, 2024

#Google#CachedWebpages#InternetArchive#WebCrawling#SEO

URL: https://www.ars.com/news/2024/02/google-ends-cached-webpages-feature

Google announces the discontinuation of its cached webpages feature in Google Search, marking the end of an era for internet backup and archival practices. This decision reflects the company's shift towards cost-saving measures and the evolution of web stability and accessibility.

Latvian Member of European Parliament is an agent of Russian intelligence, leaked emails confirm

Latvian Member of European Parliament is an agent of Russian intelligence, leaked emails confirm

29 January, 2024

#Latvia#EuropeanParliament#RussianIntelligence#FSB#Espionage

URL: https://theins.press/en/politics/268694

Tatjana Ždanoka, a Latvian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has been exposed as an operative for Russian intelligence, specifically the FSB’s Fifth Service, based on leaked emails. Despite denying knowledge of her handlers' true identities, Ždanoka's association with Russian intelligence raises concerns about her influence in European politics and advocacy for Kremlin interests.

The Pegasus Project: A Global Investigation

The Pegasus Project: A Global Investigation

January 20, 2024

#PegasusProject#Spyware#Surveillance#Journalism#NSOGroup

URL: https://awards.journalists.org/entries/the-pegasus-project-a-global-investigation/

The Pegasus Project is a groundbreaking investigation by an international consortium of journalists, revealing the widespread use of Pegasus spyware by governments to surveil prominent figures worldwide. Orchestrated by Forbidden Stories and supported by Amnesty International, the investigation identified over 1,000 individuals from a list of 50,000 phone numbers targeted for surveillance, including politicians, journalists, and human rights activists. High-profile victims included Emmanuel Macron, the Spanish prime minister, and relatives of Jamal Khashoggi. The investigation showcased the collaboration between NGOs and media, highlighting the vulnerability of digital devices and the misuse of surveillance technology intended for combating terrorism.

Hackers Breached Microsoft to Find Out What Microsoft Knows About Them

Hackers Breached Microsoft to Find Out What Microsoft Knows About Them

January 19, 2024

#Microsoft#Cybersecurity#RussianHackers#MidnightBlizzard

URL: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/19/hackers-breached-microsoft-to-find-out-what-microsoft-knows-about-them/

In a curious twist of cyber espionage, Microsoft disclosed that Russian government-sponsored hackers, known as Midnight Blizzard, APT29, or Cozy Bear, infiltrated corporate email accounts to unearth information about themselves. The hacking group targeted email accounts belonging to Microsoft's senior leadership and employees across cybersecurity, legal, and other key departments.

Pro-Russian Disinformation in Bulgaria Achieves Its Goals, Experts Say

Pro-Russian Disinformation in Bulgaria Achieves Its Goals, Experts Say

January 16, 2024

#Bulgaria#Disinformation#Russia#EU#UkraineSupport

URL: https://www.euractiv.com/section/disinformation/news/pro-russian-disinformation-in-bulgaria-achieves-its-goals-experts-say/

In Bulgaria, pro-Russian disinformation has significantly divided society and hampered the state's ability to make swift foreign policy decisions, especially regarding support for Ukraine. Fact-checking leaders in Bulgaria highlight the widespread influence of disinformation on national politics. Despite the EU average, fewer Bulgarians recognize or doubt the information from social media as fake news.

The Predator Files: Caught in the Net - The Global Threat from 'EU Regulated' Spyware

The Predator Files: Caught in the Net - The Global Threat from 'EU Regulated' Spyware

15 January, 2024

#AmnestyInternational#Spyware#HumanRights#Intellexa#Surveillance

URL: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/act10/7245/2023/en/

Amnesty International's report 'The Predator Files' exposes the global threat of EU-regulated spyware, focusing on the Intellexa alliance's sale of invasive surveillance technologies worldwide. The investigation, part of a collaboration with European Investigative Collaborations (EIC), highlights how these technologies, including the Predator spyware, target activists, journalists, and political figures globally, breaching human rights and bypassing security measures. The findings call for stringent regulations and transparency in the surveillance industry to prevent abuse and protect individuals' privacy and freedom.

The politics of intelligence failures: power, rationality, and the intelligence process (Tom Lundborg)

The politics of intelligence failures: power, rationality, and the intelligence process (Tom Lundborg)

January 12 2024

#intelligence#politics#rationality#power#BentFlyvbjerg

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/02684527.2022.2148866

The research article by Tom Lundborg explores a new approach to analyzing intelligence failures, challenging the prevalent instrumentalist view. Lundborg argues that intelligence failures should be understood within a broader political context, emphasizing the interplay between power and rationality.

Intelligence Agencies, Technology and Knowledge Production: Data Processing and Information Transfer in Secret Services During the Cold War (Ryan Shaffer)

Intelligence Agencies, Technology and Knowledge Production: Data Processing and Information Transfer in Secret Services During the Cold War (Ryan Shaffer)

January 11 2024

#IntelligenceHistory#ColdWar#DataProcessing#InformationTransfer#TechnologicalAdvancements

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2022.2132061

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the anthology 'Intelligence Agencies, Technology and Knowledge Production: Data Processing and Information Transfer in Secret Services During the Cold War', edited by Rüdiger Bergien, Debora Gerstenberger, and Constantin Goschler. The anthology explores the historization of data processing and information transfer within intelligence services during the Cold War era, focusing on technological advancements and knowledge production.

Purges of Intelligence Services: Motives, Methods, and Consequences (John A. Gentry)

Purges of Intelligence Services: Motives, Methods, and Consequences (John A. Gentry)

January 10, 2024

#IntelligencePurges#NationalSecurity#PoliticalLeadership#Counterintelligence#HistoricalAnalysis

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2021.1889191

This paper explores the motives behind purging intelligence services, the methods used to conduct purges, and the consequences of such actions. It discusses historical examples of intelligence purges and assesses their effectiveness in addressing perceived problems within intelligence agencies. Additionally, it speculates on how a purge might be used to address issues of excessive independence within the US intelligence community.

Interrogating the Gestapo: SS-Sturmbannführer Horst Kopkow, the Rote Kapelle, and Post-war British Security Interests (Declan O’Reilly)

Interrogating the Gestapo: SS-Sturmbannführer Horst Kopkow, the Rote Kapelle, and Post-war British Security Interests (Declan O’Reilly)

January 9, 2024

#HorstKopkow#Gestapo#ColdWarEspionage#RedOrchestra

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/16161262.2022.2116861

Horst Kopkow, a Gestapo officer instrumental in combating Allied and Soviet espionage during WWII, was secretly spared from war crimes prosecution by the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) for his deep knowledge of Soviet espionage networks, including the Red Orchestra. His interrogation shed light on the complexities of intelligence operations and the moral ambiguities faced by post-war intelligence agencies in their fight against emerging Cold War threats.

CIA and Special Forces' Montagnard Experiment in Vietnam

CIA and Special Forces' Montagnard Experiment in Vietnam

January 8, 2024

#VietnamWar#Counterinsurgency#Montagnards

URL: https://www.historynet.com/vietnam-highlands/

In 1961, the CIA and U.S. Special Forces initiated a daring program to engage Vietnam's Highland tribes, the Montagnards, in the fight against the Viet Cong insurgency. Despite initial success, the program faced challenges and eventually evolved into a militaristic endeavor under MACV's control.

The Invisible Hand at the Heart of Africa – West German Intelligence Operations and the Early State-Building Process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Torben Gülstorff)

The Invisible Hand at the Heart of Africa – West German Intelligence Operations and the Early State-Building Process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Torben Gülstorff)

January 6, 2024

#BND#WestGermany#CongoCrisis#StateBuilding

URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16161262.2021.2015558

The Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), West Germany's foreign intelligence service, played a significant role in shaping the early state-building process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 1960s Congo Crisis. By supporting the Congo's army and air force, manipulating public opinion, and weakening opposition, the BND aimed to establish a Congolese state aligned with Western interests.

AI Disinformation – We Need New Defenses

AI Disinformation – We Need New Defenses

January 5, 2024

#AIDisinformation#Elections2024#FakeNews#Cybersecurity#Democracy

URL: https://cepa.org/article/ai-disinformation-we-need-new-defenses/

With AI's capability to create fake yet convincing images and stories, the line between fact and falsehood is increasingly blurred. This poses a significant threat to the credibility of genuine reporting and to democratic processes, particularly in the context of the crucial 2024 elections.

In a Savvy Disinformation Offensive, China Takes Aim at Taiwan Elections

In a Savvy Disinformation Offensive, China Takes Aim at Taiwan Elections

December 16, 2023

#China#TaiwanElections#Disinformation#CognitiveWarfare#Geopolitics

URL: https://merics.org/en/report/savvy-disinformation-offensive-china-takes-aim-taiwan-election

This report reveals China's sophisticated multi-pronged disinformation campaign targeting the Taiwan 2024 elections, utilizing AI and various proxies to influence public opinion and support Beijing's geopolitical goals.

23andMe Confirms Hackers Stole Ancestry Data on 6.9 Million Users

23andMe Confirms Hackers Stole Ancestry Data on 6.9 Million Users

December 4, 2023

#23andMe#DataBreach#AncestryData#CyberSecurity

URL: https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/23andme-confirms-hackers-stole-ancestry-data-on-6-9-million-users/

23andMe, the genetic testing company, announced a significant breach involving unauthorized access to the personal data of 6.9 million users. Initially reported in early October, the breach primarily affected users of the DNA Relatives feature, exposing names, birth years, relationship labels, DNA shared percentages, ancestry reports, and locations. An additional 1.4 million users had their Family Tree profiles compromised. The breach, which represents about half of 23andMe's customer base, was attributed to password reuse and brute-force attacks. This disclosure raises serious concerns about privacy and security in the genetic testing industry.

Uisce Faoi Thalamh: An Investigation Into the Online Mis- and Disinformation Ecosystem in Ireland

Uisce Faoi Thalamh: An Investigation Into the Online Mis- and Disinformation Ecosystem in Ireland

November 20, 2023

#Disinformation#Ireland#OnlineEcosystem#FarRight#SocialMedia

URL: https://www.isdglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Uisce-Faoi-Thalamh-Summary-Report.pdf

This landmark study exposes the growth and dynamics of online mis- and disinformation in Ireland, highlighting its exploitation by far-right actors and the failure of social media platforms to curb its spread.

British Intelligence: Over 100K Russian Troops Suffer Mental Health Crisis

British Intelligence: Over 100K Russian Troops Suffer Mental Health Crisis

November 10, 2023

#RussianTroops#MentalHealth#PTSD#BritishIntel

URL: https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/10/11/british-intel-over-100k-russian-troops-suffer-mental-health-crisis/

British intelligence reports reveal that over 100,000 Russian military personnel are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as of December 2022. Lack of rotation and recuperation from the battlefield exacerbates the issue, with doctors reportedly sending unfit soldiers to the front lines. The UK warns that Russia's combat capability is compromised due to neglect of soldiers' mental health and fitness to fight.

Microsoft Chief Says Russia is Spreading Middle East Disinformation

Microsoft Chief Says Russia is Spreading Middle East Disinformation

November 11, 2023

#Microsoft#Disinformation#Russia#MiddleEast

URL: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231111-microsoft-chief-says-russia-is-spreading-middle-east-disinformation

Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, highlighted Russia's ongoing disinformation campaigns in the Middle East amidst the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum, Smith emphasized Microsoft's role in combatting disinformation through AI and technological tools designed to detect manipulated content. He pointed out Russia's attempts to undermine public health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and its current disinformation activities in the Middle East. The company faces choices: ignore the disinformation, delete it, or flag it as modified. Smith noted the lack of societal consensus on how tech companies should handle such disinformation.

The Rise of the New Spycraft Regimes

The Rise of the New Spycraft Regimes

October 21, 2023

#Espionage#Intelligence#MiddlePowers#Counterintelligence

URL: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/21/intelligence-spies-global-south-us-egypt-ethiopia-india-espionage/

Recent revelations highlight the growing intelligence capabilities of middle powers, challenging the historical dominance of major players like Russia, China, and the United States in global espionage. The cases of Egypt, Ethiopia, and India demonstrate a widening scope and ambition in the intelligence activities of these middle powers. Egypt allegedly enlisted a U.S. senator to act as an agent, Ethiopia saw an IT contractor arrested on espionage charges, and India faced accusations of involvement in an assassination in Canada. These instances underscore the need for Western nations to reassess their counterintelligence strategies and recognize the intelligence prowess of smaller states.

Exporting Pro-Kremlin Disinformation: The Case of Nova Resistência in Brazil

Exporting Pro-Kremlin Disinformation: The Case of Nova Resistência in Brazil

October 19, 2023

#NovaResistencia#Disinformation#Kremlin#NeoFascism#Geopolitics

URL: https://www.state.gov/gec-special-report-exporting-pro-kremlin-disinformation-the-case-of-nova-resistencia-in-brazil/

This GEC special report unveils the extensive reach and operations of Nova Resistência, a neo-fascist organization with deep ties to Russia's disinformation network, actively promoting authoritarian ideologies and supporting Kremlin's geopolitical ambitions.

Former Soldier Accused of Attempting to Deliver Classified Information to China

Former Soldier Accused of Attempting to Deliver Classified Information to China

October 6, 2023

#Espionage#NationalDefense#China#USArmy

URL: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/former-soldier-searched-google-reddit-for-spying-tips-prosecutors-say/

Former U.S. Army soldier Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, was arrested on charges of attempting to deliver classified national defense secrets to Chinese intelligence officials. Schmidt allegedly reached out to Chinese Consulate in Turkey and Chinese security services via email, offering top secret defense information. He faces federal felony charges punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment portrays Schmidt as an admirer of Chinese culture but an unsophisticated spy who turned to Google for legal advice on espionage and extradition.

GRU Officer Operating Under Diplomatic Cover in Denmark Revealed

GRU Officer Operating Under Diplomatic Cover in Denmark Revealed

September 1, 2023

#GRU#Espionage#HybridWarfare#NationalSecurity

URL: https://www.information.dk/indland/2023/08/gru-officer-operating-diplomatic-cover-in-denmark-revealed

Amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Vladimir Grekov, a battle-hardened Spetsnaz soldier and GRU colonel, has been stationed in Denmark as Russia's new military attaché. Investigations by Information and the Dutch newspaper NRC uncover Grekov's background, revealing his GRU affiliation and elite military training. Concerns arise regarding potential espionage and hybrid warfare activities, given Grekov's expertise and Russia's history of covert operations in Europe.

Military Mishap Exposes Sensitive PII Data to Mali

Military Mishap Exposes Sensitive PII Data to Mali

July 17, 2023

#MilitaryDataBreach#OPORD#CONOPs#NIPR#PII#CyberSecurity

URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66226873

A significant oversight in military communication protocols has resulted in the inadvertent dissemination of millions of US military emails, containing sensitive personally identifiable information (PII), to Mali, a Russian ally. While the data transmitted was not classified, it included details such as medical records and travel itineraries, posing grave risks to service members. This incident underscores the critical importance of distinguishing between PII and classified information, as well as the necessity of utilizing secure communication channels for sensitive military data.

RaidForums User Database Leak Exposes 480,000 Cybercriminals

RaidForums User Database Leak Exposes 480,000 Cybercriminals

June 28, 2023

#Cybercrime#RaidForums#DataLeak#Cybersecurity#Exposed

URL: https://incyber.org/en/raidforums-database-480000-cybercriminals-leaked/

The database of RaidForums, once the largest global cybercrime forum before its seizure in 2022, has been leaked. The leaked data includes usernames, emails, hashed passwords, and other sensitive information of 480,000 users. While the registration and last IP addresses are corrupted, the leak remains a significant resource for researchers, law enforcement, and potentially other cybercriminals.

Espionage Act Conviction Raises Questions About FBI's Polygraph Program

Espionage Act Conviction Raises Questions About FBI's Polygraph Program

June 22, 2023

#EspionageAct#FBI#PolygraphProgram#KendraKingsbury

URL: https://antipolygraph.org/blog/2023/06/22/espionage-act-conviction-of-former-fbi-intelligence-analyst-kendra-kingsbury-raises-questions-about-the-fbis-personnel-security-polygraph-program/

Former FBI intelligence analyst Kendra D. Kingsbury's conviction under the Espionage Act has sparked questions regarding the effectiveness of the FBI's Personnel Security Polygraph Program. Kingsbury was sentenced to 46 months in prison for unauthorized retention of national defense information. Despite working on counterintelligence cases, Kingsbury's violations went undetected for years, leading to concerns about the polygraph program's efficacy.

NSA working on new AI ‘roadmap’ as intel agencies grapple with recent advances

NSA working on new AI ‘roadmap’ as intel agencies grapple with recent advances

July 14, 2023

#NSA#ArtificialIntelligence#IntelligenceCommunity

URL: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/artificial-intelligence/2023/07/nsa-working-on-new-ai-roadmap-as-intel-agencies-grapple-with-recent-advances/

The intelligence community is grappling with rapid advances in large language models and generative artificial intelligence. The NSA is developing a new “AI roadmap” to guide its internal use of the technologies.

Twitter Withdraws from EU Disinformation Code, Faces Concerns Over Compliance with New Regulations

Twitter Withdraws from EU Disinformation Code, Faces Concerns Over Compliance with New Regulations

May 27, 2023

#Twitter#Disinformation#EU#ElonMusk

URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65733969

Twitter's withdrawal from the European Union's voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation, coupled with Elon Musk's massive job cuts at the company, including the closure of its Brussels office, has raised concerns. The company's failure to provide a complete report to the EU earlier this year and its lack of commitments to empower fact-checkers led to its exit from the code. Despite leaving the voluntary code, Twitter faces new legal obligations under the EU Digital Services Act, effective from August 25. As a 'very large online platform,' Twitter must now address harmful content and submit annual risk assessments to the EU commission, with potential penalties of up to 6% of annual revenue for non-compliance.

Grain Trail: Exposing Russia's Covert Maritime Operations via Satellite Technology

Grain Trail: Exposing Russia's Covert Maritime Operations via Satellite Technology

May 11, 2023

#SatelliteImagery#Crimea#GrainExport#Bellingcat#Russia

URL: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2023/05/11/tracking-russias-ghost-ships-satellite-imagery/

Investigative efforts have unveiled Russia's covert operations at the Avlita grain terminal in occupied Crimea, despite apparent inactivity according to AIS tracking data. Satellite imagery and a new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) tool have revealed continuous, clandestine ship visits, contradicting the narrative of sanctions-induced dormancy and shedding light on illegal grain exports.

China's Korla Laser ASAT Facility and Its Implications for Western Satellites

China's Korla Laser ASAT Facility and Its Implications for Western Satellites

May 1, 2023

#China#KorlaEast#ASAT#Satellite#SpaceWarfare

URL: https://www.army-technology.com/features/is-chinas-korla-laser-asat-site-hacking-western-satellites/

Recent satellite imagery analysis of the Korla East Test Site in Xinjiang, China, reveals the operation of laser anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, aimed at engaging with Western satellites. The site's activities, particularly around solar noon, when foreign imaging satellites are most active, suggest a strategic effort to disrupt, destroy, or hijack foreign satellite capabilities, aligning with concerns highlighted in leaked US intelligence documents.

Peculiar Organisations: British Counter-Insurgency and Intelligence in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, 1920-1

Peculiar Organisations: British Counter-Insurgency and Intelligence in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, 1920-1

April 25, 2023

#IrishWarOfIndependence#Dublin1920#CounterInsurgency#HistoricalIntrigue

URL: https://erinascendantwordpress.wordpress.com/2022/10/13/peculiar-organisations-british-counter-insurgency-and-intelligence-in-dublin-during-the-irish-war-of-independence-1920-1/

An intriguing blog post explores the shadowy world of British counter-insurgency and intelligence operations in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, focusing on the dramatic encounters and covert operations that marked this tumultuous period.

Ex-FBI Agents Accuse Top CIA and FBI Officials of 9/11 Cover-up

Ex-FBI Agents Accuse Top CIA and FBI Officials of 9/11 Cover-up

April 24, 2023

#CIA#FBI#9/11#CoverUp

URL: https://www.floridabulldog.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Canestraro-Declaration-dated-20-July-2021.pdf

Former FBI agents have come forward with explosive accusations against top CIA and FBI officials, alleging a deliberate cover-up of vital intelligence that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks. The revelations, outlined in a 22-page declaration marked Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), suggest that known al Qaeda operatives were allowed entry into the U.S. after attending a summit meeting in Malaysia, and that the CIA may have been complicit in recruiting them as informants.

Founder of banned Baloch group arrested in ‘carefully planned’ intelligence operation: ISPR

Founder of banned Baloch group arrested in ‘carefully planned’ intelligence operation: ISPR

April 7, 2023

#ISPR#BalochNationalArmy#Counterterrorism

URL: https://www.dawn.com/news/1746392/founder-of-banned-baloch-group-arrested-in-carefully-planned-intelligence-operation-ispr

A “hardcore militant” and founder of the banned militant group Baloch National Army (BNA) was captured, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), who described the detainee as a “high-value target” with suspected links to hostile intelligence agencies operating against Pakistan.

Leak Reveals Putin's Cyberwarfare Tactics: The Vulkan Files

Leak Reveals Putin's Cyberwarfare Tactics: The Vulkan Files

March 30, 2023

#Putin#Russia#Cyberwarfare#Ukraine#Disinformation#Kremlin

URL: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/30/vulkan-files-leak-reveals-putins-global-and-domestic-cyberwarfare-tactics

A significant leak of documents known as the Vulkan files has shed light on Russia's extensive cyberwarfare capabilities, exposing projects aimed at both global and domestic targets. The documents, dating from 2016 to 2021, were leaked by an anonymous whistleblower in response to Russia's war in Ukraine. The files detail Kremlin-backed cyber initiatives, including efforts to manipulate social media, control internet access, and train cyber operatives. The leak underscores the Kremlin's paranoia and determination to maintain control amidst perceived threats of unrest and revolution.

Hackers Drain Bitcoin ATMs of $1.5 Million by Exploiting 0-Day Bug

Hackers Drain Bitcoin ATMs of $1.5 Million by Exploiting 0-Day Bug

March 21, 2023

#BitcoinATM#Cryptocurrency#Hack#ZeroDayVulnerability

URL: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/03/hackers-drain-bitcoin-atms-of-1-5-million-by-exploiting-0-day-bug/

Hackers have exploited a zero-day vulnerability in cryptocurrency ATMs, specifically those sold by General Bytes, to steal $1.5 million in bitcoin. The vulnerability was within the BATMs' master server interface, allowing for the upload and execution of a malicious Java application. This breach led to the draining of hot wallets containing about 56 BTC.

Missing Uranium Found in Libya Raises Concerns

Missing Uranium Found in Libya Raises Concerns

March 16, 2023

#Libya#Uranium#IAEA#Nonproliferation#Security

URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/16/un-nuclear-watchdog-iaea-uranium-missing-libya

The Libyan army claims to have discovered more than 2 tonnes of missing natural uranium, along with additional barrels not reported to the IAEA or General Mahjoub. The find, near a storage base in southern Libya, follows the UN nuclear watchdog's alarm over the disappearance. The incident highlights the potential security and radiological risks associated with unaccounted nuclear material.

RIP Kevin David Mitnick

RIP Kevin David Mitnick

March 6, 2024

#KevinMitnick#Cybersecurity#EthicalHacking#InMemoriam

URL: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/las-vegas-nv/kevin-mitnick-11371668

Kevin David Mitnick, a legendary figure in the world of cybersecurity, passed away recently. Known for his exceptional skills in social engineering and computer intrusions, Mitnick's hacking exploits were both notorious and groundbreaking. His ability to access sensitive information and evade detection through various means, including mobile phone hacking, network intrusions, and corporate espionage, made him a prominent figure in the hacking community. Despite his past legal battles and imprisonment for his hacking activities, Mitnick transformed his life post-release, becoming an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant. He dedicated his later years to improving digital security, sharing his unique insights through public speaking, books, and training programs.

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