Anarchists, Communists, Extremists, and….Pirates?; “Democracy and the Devil you Know” May 16, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Laws and Leglslation, Politics.Tags: Arab Spring, Chris Mark, Germany, Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood, Pirate Party, terrorism, US Senate
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As an American I am always fascinated when speaking with my fellow countrymen (and women) who are fixated on the idea that democracy is the only and best form of government for all people. While those who believe in the democratic process certainly believe that free will, and giving a voice to people is a central theme to any form of government, there is always a tradeoff. As a recent example, the Arab Spring brought about numerous changes in governments throughout the Middle East. In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak was removed from power and Egypt began planning for “free and fair” elections. While Mubarak was the ‘elected’ president for 29 years, the elections were questionable as the constitution did not allow for anyone to run against Mubarak. Mubarak, while considered a corrupt and dictatorial leader by many, remained close with the United States who provided roughly $1.3 billion annually in aid to Egypt. With Mubarak’s removal and a more ‘transparent, and open’ election, what has resulted? In December 2011 the militant Muslim Brotherhood (who many consider a terrorist group) won a majority of the votes in the first election since Mubarak stepped down. While many of my own friends applauded when Mubarak stepped down, they are now critical of the election of the Muslim Brotherhood.
In another, more humerous example on MSNBC.com, Germany’s upstart Pirate Party (you read that right) sent a strong message to the existing regime when it won 8% of the votes in a local election in the most populated state in Germany. (more…)
“RSA Doesn’t Dine Alone” – China Suspected In Pipeline Attack May 13, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in cybersecurity, InfoSec & Privacy, terrorism.Tags: china, Chris Mark, cybercrime, cyberespionage, cybersecurity, data breach, Pipeline Breach, RSA, security, terrorism
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For background on this story, please read the previous post, as well as an earlier post titled: “Cyberattack underway against US Pipelines”. While the timing of this story is fortuitous for this author, the event is frightening. According to the Christian Science Monitor “Those analyzing the cyberspies who are trying to infiltrate natural-gas pipeline companies have found similarities with an attack on a cybersecurity firm a year ago. At least one US government official has blamed China for that earlier attack.” The referenced security firm is RSA. Again quoting CSM: “Investigators hot on the trail of cyberspies trying to infiltrate the computer networks of US natural-gas pipeline companies say that the same spies were very likely involved in a major cyberespionage attack a year ago on RSA Inc., a cybersecurity company. And the RSA attack, testified the chief of the National Security Agency (NSA) before Congress recently, is tied to one nation: China.”
Anyone who doubt that the US is under attack by China should read about the attacks against Dupont, RSA, Lockheed Martin, and more.
“Pot…Meet Kettle”…Syria Urges UN to Stop Terrorism in Damascus (cough, cough) May 10, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: assad, Chris Mark, hezbolah, mark consulting group, security, syria, terrorism
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I had to comment on an article I just read on MSNBC.com titled: “Syria Urges UN to Stop 
‘Terrorism’ Following Damascus Blasts”. The basis of the article is that Assad’ government is claiming that the two bombs that went off in Damascus yesterday (35 killed and over 300 wounded) is evidence of “foreign terrorism”. According to the article: “Syria’s foreign ministry said the bombing was a sign the country is facing foreign-backed terrorism and called on the United Nations Security Council to take measures against countries or groups supporting violence in the revolt against President Bashar Assad.” While I try to keep this blog professional and on the up and up, I do have to say that Syria sure has some…(ahem)…cajones to make a plea like that. “Syria stresses the importance of the UNSC taking measures against countries, groups and news agencies that are practicing and encouraging terrorism,” the state news agency SANA quoted the ministry as saying in a letter addressed to the Security Council. Lets take a spin over to the Council on Foreign Relations website to investigate our friends in Syria. (not the citizens but the government).
Does Syria support terrorism? (from the CFR website) (more…)
“The Weakest Link”- Insider Foils Underwear Bomb Plot May 8, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Risk & Risk Management, terrorism, Uncategorized.Tags: al qaeda, Chris Mark, mark consulting group, operational security, security, terrorism, underwear bomber
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I have written extensively about the weakest link in any security program being the actual people responsible. While we understand this point from a “good guys” perspective, it is just as true for our adversaries. MSNBC reported today that the underwear bomber who was supposed to blow up a jet liner this month had been working for US and our Allies since day one and was a paid informant. As stated on MSNBC: “An insider who worked with the United States and an allied security service to thwart an al-Qaida bomb plot hatched in Yemen was the man picked to carry out the suicide attack on a U.S.-bound airliner, U.S. and Yemeni officials tell NBC News. An unidentified Yemeni government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the supposed suicide bomber was working for Western intelligence “from day one.”
The interesting point of this story is that it does not matter whether we are talking about nuclear facilities, cybersecurity, or counter terrorism, the human element always plays a role and is always the most unpredictable. While the group that sent the man on his suicide mission clearly believed he was a ‘true believer’ willing to give his life for their cause, it appears that he had another agenda. This is the challenge with security. Trust but verify is a mantra that rings true in all aspects of security. Thank goodness the group that tried to blow up the airliner acted on faith and not solid security principles.
Airstrike Kills Al Qaeda Leader wanted in USS Cole Bombing May 6, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Risk & Risk Management, terrorism.Tags: al qaeda, Al-Quso, Chris Mark, mark consulting group, terrorism, USS cole, yemen
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Foxnews reported that an airstrike on Sunday killed an Al Qaeda leader on the FBI’s most wanted list for the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole. According to Foxnews: ” Fahd al-Quso was hit by a missile as he stepped out of his vehicle, along with another Al Qaeda operative in the southern Shabwa province, Yemeni military officials said. They were speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with military regulations.”
“Al-Quso, 37, was on the FBI’s most wanted list, with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. He was indicted in the U.S. for his role in the 2000 bombing in the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen, in which 17 American sailors were killed and 39 injured. (more…)
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