The Counterterrorism Group

🎙️ Beyond the Torch: Ensuring Safety at the 2024 Olympics 🎧 Listen now to the latest Threat Intelligence Podcast ➯ https://lnkd.in/eVZgPFC Read our latest reports today ⇩ https://lnkd.in/eQ9NPg6K The 2024 Olympics are less than three months away, and the international context is as tense as ever. Terrorism, lone wolves, and cyber attacks are just some of the many security concerns for such a large, international sports event. When discussing security in the Olympics, it is inevitable to think about the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. On that occasion, 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, and a West German police officer were killed by Palestinian Black September terrorists. More than 50 years later, the Israeli-Palestinian issue is again at the center of the global stage, along with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. In this episode, Victoire Tissinie and Siddhesh Shimpukade join Arnold K. to help us explore the intelligence failures of the past, the lessons learned, and what threats to watch for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. #OSINT #counterterrorism #threatintelligence #podcast #Olympics #Paris #2024

A fire broke out at the former Crown Paints factory in Dublin on Friday night, shortly after an anti-immigration protest. Over 500 people protested against the government's Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy. Gardaí sealed off the road, and the Dublin Fire Brigade dispatched several units to the scene. In Jubbaland, Al-Shabaab launched attacks in Bulo-Haji and Harboole, but security forces repelled the attackers, seized weapons, and recently reopened the road between Kismayo and Afmadow. #Ireland #Fire #Protesters #Somalia #AlShabaab #Attacks https://lnkd.in/erF3C2Pv

Bangladesh experienced its most violent day of the year over government job quota disputes, with clashes in Dhaka between students and police resulting in thirteen fatalities. Authorities shut down mobile internet services as protesters damaged vehicles, targeted police posts, and raided BTV. Protesters refuse to engage with the government, citing aggressive police tactics. Meanwhile, Turkish forces and their allies are shelling Kurdish positions in six villages in northern Aleppo, injuring four regime soldiers near Tel Refaat. #OSINT #Bangladesh #Clashes #Syria #SyrianCivilWar #Shelling https://lnkd.in/ev-tsr4j

The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) issues a Situation Update Report (SUR) on a phishing campaign targeting olympics fans on social media with social engineering techniques. Social media users should treat unknown links with caution, and be wary of images from unknown sources. #Paris2024 #Olympics2024 #X #Phishing #Malware #Clickbait #osint #Friday https://lnkd.in/eJVjWYs4

Malicious images: the new cyber threat The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) has encountered a new type of cyber threat on X. The posts have hashtags relating to the Olympic Games to attract more users, and they feature seemingly innocuous images. Cybercriminals are embedding malware within images that mimic the appearance of blurred, censored photos often seen on platforms like X. These images prompt you to click to reveal the full picture. However, clicking on these images can execute malicious code and compromise your device. CTG recommends the following precautions:  - Do NOT click on suspicious images: If you encounter an image that appears blurred and prompts you to click to reveal it, avoid interacting with it, especially if it seems out of context or is from an untrusted source. - Do NOT open untrusted emails: Be cautious of emails from unknown senders, particularly those with image attachments or links to images. - Do NOT ignore Security Alerts: Pay attention to warnings from your antivirus software and keep it updated to help detect and prevent malware infections. Always verify the source before interacting with any online content. Educate yourself and your friends about the latest cyber threats. Ensure your security software is up-to-date. Stay vigilant and protect your digital workspace! #Paris2024 #Olympics2024 #X #Twitter #Phishing #Malware #Clickbait #ImminentWarning #osint #Friday

A post circulating X questions whether the late Sheila Jackson Lee's connection to the US Secret Service implies that her death was unnatural and that she may have been involved in Former President Trump's assassination attempt. The Counterterrorism Group’s Counter Threat Strategic Communications Team fact-checks this claim, analyzing the intentions behind the post and the wider implications. #OSINT #SheilaJacksonLee #HouseofRepresentatives #USSecretService #Disinformation #FactCheck #Conspiracy #Friday https://lnkd.in/gScfVuDN

The NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM teams have written a Security Brief on the increase in right- and left-wing conspiracy theories on social media platforms, as well as the clash between the National Army and the Carlos Patino Front in Colombia. Right- and left-wing conspiracy theories are gaining traction on social media platforms following the assassination attempt on Trump, increasing the threat toward the 2024 presidential election and US citizens’ access to fair information during the presidential campaign. On July 21, an armed conflict between Carlos Patino Front and the National Army broke out in the Sinai District, increasing tensions and violence in the region. #NORTHCOM #SOUTHCOM #Disinformation #Security #Colombia #OSINT #Friday https://lnkd.in/g6E-5r3C

🔒 Stay Safe at Paris 2024! 🔒 Ready to cheer at the Olympics? Your safety is just as important as your fun! Swipe through for essential security tips designed for women to navigate the games worry-free. From using anti-theft accessories to staying informed with real-time updates, we've got you covered. Let’s make your Olympic experience secure and unforgettable! 🎉🇫🇷 #paris2024 #olympicsafety #travelsmart#ctg#ctgprotectswomen https://lnkd.in/gX52m4UC

On July 23, 2024, Ugandan security forces arrested young protestors for planning anti-corruption demonstrations in Kampala. As the crackdown on dissent will likely keep increasing in Uganda, peaceful protests will likely turn violent. Growing public discontent and repression will likely lead to renewed opposition and further detentions. #Uganda #Protests #Kampala #Arrests #Wednesday #OSINT #Breaking https://lnkd.in/gPP4M5sq

The Paris 2024 Olympics, starting on July 26, has heightened French national security alerts for terrorism, cyber threats, and disinformation. Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center identified Russian groups Storm-1679 and Storm-1099 as key distributors of Olympic-themed disinformation, likely linked to the Kremlin. These groups aim to discredit the IOC and France's capability to host the event by promoting narratives of corruption and terrorism fears. Their campaigns will likely use sophisticated editing and both mainstream and niche social media platforms to enhance credibility and reach. #OSINT #ThreatAssessment #Olympics #Paris #Disinformation #Tuesday https://lnkd.in/gzxgu5ZU