A computer virus first detected nearly two weeks ago by the military’s Host-Based Security System has infected the cockpits of America’s Predator and Reaper drones. This computer virus entails the capability of logging pilots’ every key stoke as they remotely fly missions over Afghanistan and other pertinent war zones. Network security specialist commented the virus has resisted multiple efforts in removal from the Creech’s computers and the infection underlies the ongoing security risks in the U.S. military’s most important weapons system. “We keep wiping it off, and it keeps coming back,” states a source familiar with the network infection, “We think it’s benign, but we just don’t know.” It is unknown whether the virus and key logger payload was intentional or accidental; this may be a common piece of malware making its way into a sensitive network. Specialists are unaware of the depth of the virus however they are certain the infection has hit both classified and unclassified machines at Creech entitling secret data captured by the key logger enabling transmission over the public internet to someone outside of the military chain of command. Predator and Reaper crews utilize removable hard drives to load map updates and transport mission videos from one computer to another, the use of these hard drives are a possible spread of the computer virus. Technicians are trying to get the virus off by following the removal instructions, but the virus kept coming back, which the technicians had to completely erase the internal hard drive and completely rebuild them from scratch. Lt. Col. Stated, “We generally do not discuss specific vulnerabilities, threats, or responses to our computer networks, since that helps people looking to exploit or attack our systems to refine their approach.” As of now the Senior officers at Creech are briefed daily on the virus, and no one is alarmed just yet.
5 October 2011 Leopoldo Lopez talks to media outlets. Dow Jones Newswires (CARACAS) – The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ( IACHR ) ruled in favor of opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez on 17 September, allowing him to run in Venezuela ’s upcoming 2012 presidential elections. Venezuelan officials barred Lopez from seeking public office in 2005 through 2014 under allegations of mishandling public funds and corruption. Supporters of Lopez argue the charges are a ploy to prevent him and other opposition politicians from running for office. General elections are slated for 7 October 2012 amid questions regarding President Hugo Chavez’s health. Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110916-712977.html (Reliability: 9) Comment: Despite the IACHR’s ruling in favor of Lopez, Venezuelan officials under President Chavez have ignored the court’s rulings in the past and banned presidential hopefuls from running for office. Lopez is emerging as one of the top con...
Turkey surprised international observers when it supported rebels in recent uprising in Syria. Turkey is harboring insurgents and political opponents of the Assad's regime as it readies unilateral sanctions against Syria . This signals in shift in supporting the various democratic Arab awakenings throughout the Middle East. Turkey’s chasm with Syria reaffirms its commitment to NATO , who had began to question Turkeys role in the alliance. In the face of the Arab Spring , Turkey is reassess its place in the new realities of the Middle East . Turkey had sought to ought new open new markets and expand its influence in the region through a policy of non-confrontation with its neighbors. It disavowed democratic preconditions with economic partners like Syria and Iran in the past and this caused friction with NATO. Source :http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/1103/Turkey-s-bold-about-face-on-Syria Reliability (9) Comments: Turkey’s break from its policy of “zero prob...
Al-Qaeda’s North Africa branch is relentless to develop a stabilized network in Morocco, both to weaken the country and to gain easier access for attacks in Europe. According to Mali's report, because of the partnership that Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Boko Haram group has there must be collaboration and cooperation by neighboring country’s, Niger, Nigeria and Chad, to oppose the group to successfully enter the country. Boko Haram is responsible for an attack that occurred on the 26 of August against the United Nations that claimed 23 people. AQIM is responsible for a variety of kidnaps and attacks, particularly against foreigners. Morocco recently broke up a three-man cell called the “Al Battar Squadron”, which had links to Al-Qaeda that intended to join camps of AQIM outside Morocco to undergo military training. The intent was to attend the training then return to the kingdom to conduct criminal acts. According to a Moroccan security source, this i...
10 October 2011
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