- Center for Security Policy

Hackers increase attacks on Southeast Asia

According to security provider FireEye, South-east Asia has become one of the most targeted areas in the world following recent hacking attacks on the government and several companies. Organizations in the region are on average, 45 percent more likely to be targeted than organizations elsewhere. Most of the information targeted by the hackers focuses on intelligence on border disputes and trade negotiations.

The threat is particularly high because most organizations in the region are not required to report or share information on attacks, which hampers efforts to plan defenses. Earlier in the week it was reported that the Chinese were behind the attacks, with Ge Xing, as the alleged leader. Researchers found eight different types of malware being used to break into different systems, and tracked all of Xing’s work to daytime hours, leading them to believe that the Chinese government hired him as a professional hacker.

FireEye’s report was released following the United States and China’s agreement last month to end commercial hacking. Security breaches have reportedly cost the global economy more than $400 billion dollars. Besides South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan stand as the most at risk with half of their organizations exposed to attacks. China has consistently claimed not to be involved with the hacking and complains of being victim to similar attacks.

Iran invites foreign investors to develop energy industry

Iran is invited foreign investors to develop its energy agency after sanctions ease in 2016 following the Iran Nuclear deal. Oil minister Rokneddin Javadi has announced that Iran will welcome all oil companies, including Americans to invest in Iran. Iran has been flooded by business delegations since the July 14^th deal in which the United States and Western allies agreed to remove economic sanctions which had heavily impacted oil production.

Javadi says that Iran needs foreign know-how to improve oil fields, pipeline, and refinery infrastructure. He continues on to explain that Iran did not keep the US from investing in Iranian oil, rather American policy’s “unjust limitations” prevented it. While U.S. companies are surely lining up to partake in Iranian business following the sanctions lift, they are still faced with human rights sanctions and other legal hurdles.

7 Israelis charged with contacting IS fighters in Syria and encouraging attacks

Seven Israeli Arabs were charged the first attempted IS plot on Israeli soil Thursday. The accused Israelis lived in northern Israel, which has traditionally been a hotbed of support for Islamist activity and support for Hamas. They are said to have been gathering intelligence on an Israeli Defense Forces base and a police station near Nazareth. Four of the seven are being charged with setting up an IS cell in Israel.

The indictment states that the group purchased weapons, made contact with IS in Syria, and started planning a shooting attack in Emek Valley. The plotters also reportedly had contact with a convicted Al Qaeda-linked terrorist, Ahmed Ahmed, presently serving a life sentence for murder. Ahmed supposedly instructed the Israelis to buy a M16 rifle and gave instructions over the phone on how to carry out a terrorist attack. Due to a financial issue, they were unable to purchase the weapon and instead acquired Molotov cocktails. One of the defendants admitted to attacking a store that was selling alcohol in 2012. Three other Israelis were charged with assisting, but did not make allegiance to IS.

Nigerian City attacked; 1,600 killed in Boko Haram attacks since June; 80 Boko Haram fighters surrender

The Northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri was attacked on Thursday, by five young female bombers. Fourteen people including the girls died. People were waiting for evening prayer when the bombs struck the mosque. Officials say that the number of those who lost their lives is expected to rise. Some of the girls carrying out the attack were as young as nine. Amnesty International has estimated that since June 1,600 people have died in Boko Haram violence. The deaths in Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger have occurred despite military advances against Boko Haram. Attacks similar to the bombing in Nigeria continue with insurgents using increased suicide bombings on “soft” civilian targets such as mosques.

The Nigerian army has been able to make more significant gains against Boko Haram, destroying rebel camps along the Northeast. On Thursday the army announced that 80 Boko Haram fighters surrendered to their troops in Bama, Borno state. The announcement followed the surrendering of 200 terrorists, among those being commanders, suppliers, and foot soldiers. The army predicts that Boko Haram will soon be defeated, but the militant groups ties with IS means that it is likely the group will only be pushed into neighboring countries. Boko Haram’s propaganda campaign has declined since the beginning of the year after culminating in their allegiance to Islamic State.

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