Written by Eric Caron
Terrorists and criminal organizations often seek to exploit America's security vulnerabilities relating to trade, travel and telecommunications. I call it the “3 - Ts." The need to enhance U.S. border security has been highlighted endlessly these last years, with an estimated 25 million illegal alien entries.
Thousands of known and unknown criminals and terrorists are currently within the borders of the United States planning their next criminal and terror attacks, conspiring with global partners without ever physically crossing a U.S. land or sea border.
Bad guys leverage modern communication technologies, such as encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms, to coordinate and plan their activities. These tools can facilitate communication between global operatives assisting and or inspiring them to commit their illegal acts. Additionally, they utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) and other privacy tools to mask their digital footprints, making it more challenging for authorities to track their activities.
The need for the U.S. government to enhance cybersecurity in relation to terrorism and crime is both urgent and critical. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures are necessary to protect national security, critical infrastructures, and the economy.
The New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans that killed 14 and injured dozens by a 42 year old Army veteran who posted several videos online hours before the attack “proclaiming his support for ISIS” and mentioning he joined ISIS in 2024 is a grim example of the need to enhance our cyber / virtual borders. In addition, the suspect allegedly also travelled to Egypt in 2023.
Based on what we know to date, and my personal experience with similar past cases as a Supervisory Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations, the suspect is not a “lone wolf." He likely conspired virtually and in person with other known ISIS members prior to the attack.
It is imperative that the United States not only enhance land and sea borders, but our virtual borders as well. We must monitor and disrupt these transnational terror and crime groups who exploit our freedoms from within the U.S. without ever physically departing America.
Terrorists and criminal organizations often seek to exploit America's security vulnerabilities relating to trade, travel and telecommunications. I call it the “3 - Ts." The need to enhance U.S. border security has been highlighted endlessly these last years, with an estimated 25 million illegal alien entries.
Thousands of known and unknown criminals and terrorists are currently within the borders of the United States planning their next criminal and terror attacks, conspiring with global partners without ever physically crossing a U.S. land or sea border.
Bad guys leverage modern communication technologies, such as encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms, to coordinate and plan their activities. These tools can facilitate communication between global operatives assisting and or inspiring them to commit their illegal acts. Additionally, they utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) and other privacy tools to mask their digital footprints, making it more challenging for authorities to track their activities.
The need for the U.S. government to enhance cybersecurity in relation to terrorism and crime is both urgent and critical. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures are necessary to protect national security, critical infrastructures, and the economy.
The New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans that killed 14 and injured dozens by a 42 year old Army veteran who posted several videos online hours before the attack “proclaiming his support for ISIS” and mentioning he joined ISIS in 2024 is a grim example of the need to enhance our cyber / virtual borders. In addition, the suspect allegedly also travelled to Egypt in 2023.
Based on what we know to date, and my personal experience with similar past cases as a Supervisory Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations, the suspect is not a “lone wolf." He likely conspired virtually and in person with other known ISIS members prior to the attack.
It is imperative that the United States not only enhance land and sea borders, but our virtual borders as well. We must monitor and disrupt these transnational terror and crime groups who exploit our freedoms from within the U.S. without ever physically departing America.
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