10:00 AM ET, Tuesday, January 2, 2023
Daily national security briefings aren’t just for the president anymore. The Cipher Brief uses AI partnered with human analysis and expert perspective to keep you up-to-date on national security news from around the world.
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THE TOP STORIES
ANALYSIS- ‘American Spies Confront a New, Formidable China’. The Wall Street Journal published a lengthy piece on December 26 that says the CIA has struggled to rebuild its espionage capabilities in China over the past decade after a network of Chinese agents working for the agency was systematically exposed and arrested by Beijing. This setback has left the U.S. with limited insights into the secret deliberations of China's leadership, including President Xi Jinping, on crucial security matters such as Taiwan. Amid a shift in U.S. security policy towards preparing for a possible conflict with China and Russia, the CIA is prioritizing the reconstruction of its spy network focused on China. However, recent events like Hamas's attack on Israel and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have diverted intelligence resources and complicated CIA Director William Burns's efforts to maintain China as a top priority. China's extensive Orwellian surveillance and its progress in various fields, including artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, have made it a challenging intelligence target. Despite these challenges, the CIA has more than doubled its budget resources dedicated to the China mission over the past three years and established the China Mission Center. The agency is also recruiting Mandarin speakers and technology experts to enhance its capabilities in tracking China's activities and intentions. However, China's vast goals and objectives make the task challenging, and a profound cultural shift is needed to address the complex rivalry between the two nations. Additionally, collecting human intelligence in China is risky due to Beijing's surveillance and counterespionage efforts, though some potential openings exist amid disaffection with Xi's leadership and economic issues. Wall Street Journal
ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR
Israel to withdraw some troops from Gaza. The Israeli military said on Monday that it plans to begin a withdrawal of five brigades from Gaza this week. Israeli military spokesman Adm. Daniel Hagari stressed, however, that Israel remains committed to eliminating Hamas and that he expects the war to continue “throughout this year.” He also left open the possibility that some troops could be recalled. Israeli officials have not announced any shift to more limited operations, but military analysts and U.S. officials say the troop withdrawal probably signals that such a change has begun. Former Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus cited three reasons in addition to the economic burden on the economy of so many Israeli reservists serving on active duty for the decision to scale back its troop deployment. He said the army is now largely in control of northern Gaza, Israel has decided to restrain firepower in southern Gaza, and troops may be needed in northern Israel to fight Hezbollah fighters based in Lebanon. Associated Press New York Times Bloomberg Politico Wall Street Journal
Israel conducts air strikes in Syria, Lebanon amid debate over future of Gaza. The Israeli military says that it has carried out strikes against targets in Syria, Lebanon, in addition to the Gaza Strip. Israeli fighter jets reportedly hit Syrian military positions outside Damascus and in a village in southern Lebanon that had reportedly been utilized by Hezbollah militants. These strikes come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a security cabinet meeting to discuss the future of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. A spokesperson for Netanyahu said that he believes that “the future of Palestinians from Gaza is in Gaza.” Some Israeli leaders such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have promoted the idea of trying to force the removal of as many Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, something that has been denounced by human rights critics as violating international human rights laws. The Israeli government has not adopted such a policy and claims that it does not aim to reoccupy Gaza in the long term. These public calls from ministers reflect growing divides within the Israeli government on the best way to end the conflict and ensure that Hamas does not have the capability to carry out another attack on Israel. Wall Street Journal
U.S. destroys Houthi boats, kills 10 in response to attack on ship. U.S. helicopters successfully repelled an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel, sinking three militant boats and resulting in the deaths of 10 militants. The U.S. response repelled an attempt by Houthi fighters to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely aided the ship's security team. A Houthi spokesperson stated that the attack was in response to the ship's crew refusing to heed warning calls. AP Moller-Maersk, the world's second-largest container line, suspended all transit through the Red Sea for 48 hours after the attack. This incident undermines Washington's efforts to reassure shipping companies about the safety of the Suez Canal and Red Sea, crucial passages for nearly 12% of global commerce. The U.S. established Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect commercial shipping in the area, but the Houthis have continued their attacks. The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November, affecting shipping routes and leading some ships to take longer routes around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. Reuters Bloomberg
Iran sends warship to Red Sea. Iranian state media said yesterday that Iran has sent a destroyer to the Red Sea a day after the U.S. Navy destroyed three Houthi boats there over the weekend following a Houthi attack on a Danish-owned container ship. The report did not provide any further details but analysts say that the show of force could be seen as a challenge to the U.S.-led maritime security force. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sunday the U.S. is not seeking a wider conflict in the region but would continue acting in self-defense. Bloomberg CNN
U.S. carrier in eastern Mediterranean returning to U.S. The U.S. Sixth Fleet said yesterday that it will return the carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, from the Mediterranean to Norfolk as the U.S. reevaluates force requirements worldwide. The Ford was sent to defend Israel in the days following the Oct 7 Hamas attack. Along with the USS Eisenhower, which will remain in the region, the U.S. maintained a “two carrier” presence in an attempt to deter regional escalation of the Israel-Hamas war. The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan is set to replace the Ford, and the Sixth Fleet says the Navy continues to maintain an “extensive” capability in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The statement added that the U.S. is cooperating with allies and partners “to bolster maritime security” in the region. CNN Associated Press
Israeli Supreme Court overturns Netanyahu’s judicial oversight law. The Israeli Supreme Court on Monday overturned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial law subjecting courts to increased oversight. The court voted 8-7 to reject the measure, which was approved by the Knesset in July and would have prevented judges from rejecting government decisions found to be “unreasonable.” The liberal Movement for Quality in Government in Israel issued a statement hailing the decision, saying that the law would have exempted the government and its ministers from the rule of law. Netanyahu’s Likud party condemned the ruling, saying it is in opposition to the country’s desire for unity, “especially in a time of war.” Bloomberg Washington Post
Turkey arrests 33 people accused of spying for Israel. Turkish authorities reportedly arrested 33 people suspected of spying for Israel, according to Turkey’s state-run news agency, the Andalou Agency. The suspects were detained in raids in Istanbul and seven other provinces and are accused of allegedly planning reconnaissance operations and plots to assault and kidnap foreign nationals in Turkey. Authorities were reportedly still searching for 13 other people who are believed to have links to Mossad. The report did not provide any additional information on the suspects. The reported arrests came after an audio recording of the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, was released in which he said that the organization is prepared to eliminate Hamas in every place it is present, including Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that there would be serious consequences if Israel continued to threaten to destroy Hamas on Turkish soil. Turkey and Israel normalized ties in 2022 but ties have quickly deteriorated since the Israel-Hamas war began. Associated Press
THE UKRAINE UPDATE
Russia missile strike targets Kyiv, Kharkiv. Ukraine reported a massive Russian missile strike targeting the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions on Tuesday. The attacks killed at least four people and injured almost 100. Ukrainian authorities said that Russia launched nearly 100 missiles of various types in the attacks, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. Ukraine claimed that at least 70 of the missiles were shot down, mainly in the Kyiv area. Russia claimed it targeted military industrial facilities and ammunition depots in its attack. The attacks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia will increase missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in retaliation for what he called a “terror” shelling attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday, which killed at least 22 people and wounded approximately 110 others. Kyiv did not issue a public comment on the attack, but a Ukrainian intelligence official said the strike was a response to Russia’s massive air assaults on Ukrainian cities on Friday and that Ukraine targeted only military facilities. Associated Press Kyiv Independent Washington Post New York Times
Russia launches biggest air attack on Ukraine. Russia launched its biggest air attack in its war on Ukraine on Friday, killing at least 31 civilians and injuring 160 others. The Ukrainian Air Force said it downed 87 cruise missiles and 27 drones in the attack and that Russia launched a total of 158 aerial “targets” in the strikes. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called it the “most massive air attack of this war” and that it involved 18 strategic bombers. Ukrainian officials said at least nine people were killed in Kyiv, where a warehouse and some residential buildings were hit. The Ukrainian foreign ministry said the attack showed there should be “no talk of truce” with Moscow amid continued uncertainty about future Western aid. Most members of the U.N. Security Council condemned the attacks, though Russia’s U.N. ambassador claimed that Russia only attacked military infrastructure and that Ukraine’s air defenses were responsible for civilian casualties. Poland said a Russian missile entered its airspace during the attack for around 40 kilometers before returning to Ukraine under three minutes later. The Russian charge d’affaires in Warsaw said Poland provided no evidence of the incident. Associated Press Reuters
Russian military to deploy newest howitzers against Ukrainian forces. Russia plans to deploy its newest howitzers, the Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units, against Ukrainian forces as part of its ongoing military operation, according to Sergei Chemezov, the head of the Rostec state defense conglomerate. Testing of the Coalition-SV units is reportedly complete, and mass production has commenced. The first pilot batch is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. These howitzers, with a range of up to 70 kilometers (44 miles), are equipped with a modern 152mm caliber cannon capable of firing more than 10 rounds per minute. Chemezov stated that they are needed to gain an advantage over Western artillery models in terms of firing range. Tensions in the region continue to escalate as both sides bolster their military capabilities. Reuters
Ukraine strikes Russian naval landing warship in Black Sea. In an overnight attack on December 26, Ukraine launched cruise missiles at a large Russian landing warship in Crimea, resulting in at least one casualty and significant damage to the vessel. The Novocherkassk large landing ship, capable of carrying tanks and armored vehicles for troop landings, was struck during the attack. Ukraine utilized air-launched cruise missiles in the assault, and while the specific missile type was not disclosed, both Britain and France have supplied Ukraine with such munitions. This attack could hinder any Russian efforts to seize additional Ukrainian territory along the Black Sea coast. While Ukraine's counteroffensive has faced challenges, they have managed to conduct various attacks on Crimea, causing notable damage. The Russian military has regained initiative in some areas, but the conflict continues. Reuters
Moscow warns Japan not to send Patriot Missile System to Ukraine. Russia has issued a warning to Japan regarding its decision to provide Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, stating that it will have "grave consequences" for Russia-Japan relations. Japan's move to supply Patriot missiles to the U.S. could indirectly benefit Ukraine by enhancing the U.S.'s capacity to provide military aid to Kyiv. A Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman expressed concerns that these missiles could end up in Ukraine, which would be seen as hostile actions against Russia. Relations between Russia and Japan have been strained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to sanctions imposed by Japan and its Western allies. Additionally, the two countries have an ongoing territorial dispute involving a chain of Pacific islands, complicating their diplomatic relations further. Reuters
Norway permits direct weapons sales to Ukraine. Norway’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that Norwegian companies will be authorized to sell weapons and other defense equipment directly to Ukraine. The Norwegian government had previously provided fiscal and military support but said that such donations were “no longer sufficient” in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Thus, Norwegian companies can now apply for export licenses from the country’s Foreign Affairs ministry to directly sell defense products to Ukraine. Last month, Norway announced a new aid package as part of a previous $6.8 billion plan including air defense, humanitarian assistance, and increased ammunition production. Norway said that it will continue military support for Ukraine this year. The country provided over $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2023. Kyiv Independent
ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD
The Americas
US military's secretive spaceplane in orbit on 7th mission. The U.S. military's X-37B robot spaceplane embarked on its seventh mission, marking its first launch atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, which has the capability to deliver it to a higher orbit than ever before. The Falcon Heavy, consisting of three liquid-fueled rocket cores, took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. This launch followed a series of delays due to weather and technical issues. The X-37B, a Boeing-built vehicle resembling a miniature space shuttle, conducts technology experiments and deploys various payloads during its years-long orbital flights. Previously, it flew missions in low-Earth orbit, but this launch could potentially take it into geosynchronous orbit, over 22,000 miles above Earth. The mission's details remain classified, conducted by the U.S. Space Force as part of the National Security Space Launch program. Reuters
Venezuela deploying troops in response to British vessel in Guyana. Venezuela said on Saturday that it will continue with plans to deploy 6,000 troops until a British military vessel sent to Guyana leaves the area. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said that Venezuelan forces were safeguarding the country’s national sovereignty and that they will remain deployed until the British “imperialist” boat left disputed waters between Venezuela and Guyana. Tensions are high between Venezuela and Guyana over a region in Guyana known as Essequibo which is rich in oil and other minerals. Venezuela has long claimed the region and recently held a referendum in which voters backed the country’s claim to the disputed territory. Associated Press
Argentina formally says it will not join BRICS. Argentina formally declared on Friday that it will not join the BRICS bloc of developing economies. Argentina’s new far-right populist President Javier Milei said in a letter to BRICS leaders that it is not an “opportune” moment for Argentina to join the bloc as a full member. Milei noted that he is interested in bolstering bilateral ties and boosting trade and investment with individual BRICS members. Argentina was one of six countries invited to join BRICS in August. The country is currently facing a deepening economic crisis. Milei, who identifies as an “anarcho-capitalist” has initiated economic deregulation measures as he pursues a foreign policy in alignment with “free nations of the West.” Associated Press
Asia and Oceania
China's Xi says 'reunification' with Taiwan is inevitable. In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that the "reunification" of China with Taiwan is inevitable. This statement comes ahead of Taiwan's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei. While China considers Taiwan its "sacred territory" and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it, Xi did not mention military threats in his speech. Xi emphasized the historical inevitability of reunification, urging both sides of the Taiwan Strait to share in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He referred to the people on both sides as "compatriots." This marks a stronger stance compared to last year when he spoke of them as "members of one and the same family." The Chinese government has criticized Vice President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's ruling Democratic Party's presidential candidate, as a separatist. Lai, leading in opinion polls, advocates for Taiwan's right to decide its future independently. Despite calls for dialogue, Beijing has rebuffed offers from Taiwan's leadership, escalating tensions in the region. With less than two weeks to go before the elections, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office urged Taiwanese voters to “stand on the right side of history” by opposing independence and advancing “the process of the peaceful reunification” with mainland China. Reuters South China Morning Post Bloomberg
China to increase maritime activity in East China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly ordered China’s coast guard to intensify its activities in asserting sovereignty over the East China Sea islets, which are known as the Senkakus in Japan and Diaoyu in China. These islets are controlled by Tokyo but also claimed by Beijing. In response to Xi's directive issued in November, the Chinese coast guard is said to have formulated a plan for daily patrols near the disputed islets throughout 2024. Additionally, they will conduct on-site inspections of Japanese fishing vessels if deemed necessary. The longstanding territorial dispute over these uninhabited islets has strained relations between Japan and China. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed Japan's serious concerns regarding this matter during talks with Xi in the U.S. in November. Reuters
Beijing sanctions U.S. risk intelligence firm Kharon over Xinjiang assessment. China has imposed sanctions on U.S. risk intelligence firm Kharon, along with researchers Edmund Xu and Nicole Morgret, in response to recent U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Kharon, which provides analysis on investment risks related to Xinjiang, has had its assets frozen in China. Both Xu and Morgret, who work at the Washington-based Centre for Advanced Defence Studies, will be barred from entering China. China's foreign ministry criticized the U.S. for using the "so-called human rights issue in Xinjiang as an excuse" to impose sanctions on Chinese entities and called for the U.S. to lift these sanctions. South China Morning Post
Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty in Hong Kong trial. Media tycoon and activist Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty to charges of sedition and collusion with foreign powers in a high-profile national security trial in Hong Kong. Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, faces one charge of conspiring to publish seditious materials inciting hatred against Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, and two counts of colluding with foreign nations to advocate sanctions against China and Hong Kong. Lai was arrested during Hong Kong’s 2019 crackdown on dissent and could face life imprisonment under China’s national security law. Lai’s trial, without a jury, is anticipated to last 80 days, drawing international attention as a litmus test for Hong Kong's freedoms and judicial independence since the implementation of the security law in 2020. Associated Press South China Morning Post
Japan Coast Guard plane, passenger liner collide. A Japanese passenger plane collided with a coast guard plane on a runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and burst into flames on Tuesday. Japanese Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito said all 379 passengers and crew aboard the airliner and the pilot of the coast guard plane escaped safely, but that five crew members of the coast guard aircraft died. Associated PressP South China Morning Post Washington Post
South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck. South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung was stabbed in the neck by an unidentified man while visiting Busan. Lee, head of the country’s opposition Democratic Party, was airlifted to a hospital in Seoul for surgery after receiving treatment in Busan. Officials have said that Lee was conscious after the attack and not in critical condition. Associated Press
North Korea seeks more spy satellites, nuclear weapon development. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed in recent year-end meetings to continue the expansion of his country’s weapons arsenal and satellite capabilities. He specifically outlined intentions to conduct three spy-satellite launches and accelerate nuclear weapons production in 2024. Kim has urged for readiness for armed conflict with the U.S. and threatened to destroy the U.S. or South Korea if either attempted an attack. Kim’s warnings come as China and Russia continue to support North Korea, most recently seen in New Year’s greetings between Kim and President Xi Jinping, marking increased economic cooperation. South Korea continues to emphasize bolstering its defenses for deterrence. Wall Street Journal
Europe
Heightened focus on sabotage of undersea infrastructure in Northern Europe. The Finnish and British navies that have been conducting a routine training exercise will soon undertake a new mission: protecting the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland, which was punctured in October, apparently by the trailing anchor of a Chinese-flagged commercial ship bound for Russia. It has not been determined whether the incident was deliberate, but early last month Western military officials decided not to wait for an answer before responding. The 10 countries that make up the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) said they would deploy ships to protect undersea infrastructure. The move is seen as the latest sign of how Western countries are bolstering their defenses against “hybrid” or “gray-zone” warfare, action undertaken without a declaration of war and which may include infrastructure sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. The Balticconnector incident was the latest in a series of underwater pipeline and cable breaches in the region. Politico
Africa
Ethiopia signs deal with breakaway Somali region for access to sea. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali signed a memorandum of understanding with President Muse Bihi Abdi of the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland on Monday to grant Ethiopia what would be its only access to the sea. Abdi said the agreement calls for Somaliland to lease a 12.4-mile stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base and that the deal includes a statement that Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent country in the near future. Somali officials condemned the move, saying such an agreement is “the prerogative of the Federal Government of Somalia.” Associated Press
CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN
U.S. struggles to strengthen cybersecurity at water utilities. Recent cyberattacks linked to Iranian-backed hackers against U.S. water utilities have raised concerns about cyber vulnerabilities in the U.S. water sector. The hacker targeted Israeli-made equipment in systems that manage water supply. Industry experts say states and the federal government are grappling with underfunding and lack of cybersecurity professionals to properly bolster cybersecurity measures at over 50,000 water utilities. Private water companies say they support regulatory standards to boost public confidence, though critics say such measures will lead to wider privatization. Congress is considering bills to address cybersecurity in the water sector through tiered regulation and federal assistance programs. The 2021 federal infrastructure law allocates $1 billion for cybersecurity, but utilities face competition for funds from various sectors. Associated Press
Beijing, Moscow claim successful test of quantum communication link for BRICS countries. Scientists from Russia and China claim to have successfully conducted a quantum communication experiment using secure keys transmitted via China's quantum satellite, Mozi. This achievement demonstrates the potential for a quantum communication network among BRICS countries. The researchers spanned a distance of 3,800 km between ground stations near Moscow and Urumqi in China, sending encoded images secured by quantum keys. Quantum communication uses single photons to transfer data and offers enhanced security as it is virtually immune to eavesdropping. Quantum keys, consisting of random bits, are used to encrypt and decrypt data, and their security is guaranteed by the laws of physics. Previously, the limitation of ground-based quantum key distribution was the loss of photons over long distances, restricting effective key transfer to about 1,000 km. To overcome this, China launched the Mozi quantum satellite in 2016, enabling long-distance quantum transmission. The successful collaboration between Russian and Chinese scientists opens up possibilities for secure quantum communication networks, with potential applications in various sectors, including finance and scientific research. However, further research and development are needed before commercialization becomes feasible, and international standards and protocols will be essential for the widespread adoption of quantum technology. South China Morning Post
Chinese researchers test kinetic energy weapon effectiveness against U.S. tanks. Chinese scientists have conducted experiments and numerical simulations to assess the damage capability of kinetic energy weapons against US military armor. They found that a solid sphere weighing 20 kg and traveling at approximately four times the speed of sound could potentially disable advanced tanks built to US military standards. While the tank's exterior may appear undamaged, the simulations revealed that the inner workings would be irreparably harmed. Bolts connecting critical equipment to the inner cabin wall could fracture, rendering the tank inoperative even if the crew survived the impact. The study highlights the vulnerability of traditional military hardware to high-speed kinetic projectiles and raises questions about the effectiveness of current tank defenses. South China Morning Post
ANALYSIS - Legal case in Texas reveals how Chinese nationals can secretly move money into U.S. Jerry Yu, a 23-year-old student at New York University, has inadvertently exposed how Chinese nationals move money from China to the United States without attracting the attention of authorities in either country. He is the majority owner of a Bitcoin mine in Texas, purchased with cryptocurrency routed through an offshore exchange, offering anonymity and bypassing U.S. banking system oversight and Chinese restrictions on money leaving the country. Chinese investors are increasingly spending hundreds of millions of dollars on crypto mines in the U.S. as China banned such operations in 2021. Mr. Yu's case reveals the secrecy surrounding these transactions and highlights the challenges of regulating crypto activities to prevent money laundering and ensure transparency. New York Times
ASML canceled shipments to China at U.S. request, ASML Holding NV, a Dutch manufacturer of high-end chipmaking equipment, reportedly canceled some shipments of its advanced machines to Chinese firms at the request of the Biden administration. The company had licenses to ship three top-of-the-line deep ultraviolet lithography machines to China before January, when new Dutch restrictions on the transfer of such equipment to Beijing were set to take full effect. U.S. officials reached out to ASML, requesting the immediate halt of pre-scheduled shipments to Chinese customers. ASML confirmed that the Dutch government partially revoked licenses for certain lithography systems to China, affecting a small number of customers. This move is part of the broader crackdown on Beijing's efforts to develop its advanced semiconductor industry. The cancellation of shipments could impact ASML's sales in China, which accounted for nearly half of the company's sales in the third quarter of 2023. Bloomberg
Pro-Palestinian hackers claim breach of Israeli firms. Pro-Palestinian hacking group Cyber Toufan claimed responsibility for breaching dozens of Israeli entities and fulfilled its November threat to publish leaked information daily, targeting not only Israeli companies but also foreign firms doing business with Israel, including SpaceX, Toyota, and IKEA. The group, described as "incredibly well organized and disruptive," attacked various sectors, including cybersecurity firms, government agencies, e-commerce platforms, manufacturing companies, schools, colleges, and even a swimming pool cleaner company. Cybersecurity researchers note that Cyber Toufan has wiped systems of a large number of organizations, causing extended disruptions. The leaks are believed to be genuine and the breaches are likely based on a major attack on the Israeli hosting company Signature-IT. The group's tactics and scale of operations bear the hallmarks of a sophisticated entity, potentially state-sponsored, with Check Point identifying Cyber Toufan as an Iranian threat actor. The group has not commented on its origins but vows to continue targeting Israel in the cyber domain. The Record
The data cutoff for this product was 8:00 a.m. E.T.
Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Bruce Wilmot, and Leighton Durham contributed to this report.
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