Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 20 February 2024

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

LockBit ransomware disrupted by global police operation

Good news! Bleeping Computer reports the Department of Justice joined the United Kingdom and international law enforcement partners in London today to announce the disruption of the LockBit #ransomware group, one of the most active ransomware groups in the world that has targeted over 2,000 victims, received more than $120 million in ransom payments, and made ransom demands totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The notorious group targeted the #faithbased and #nonprofit communities in big way in 2023 so this is welcome news.

Related Items:

• S. and U.K. Disrupt LockBit Ransomware Variant
• EUROPOL: Law enforcement disrupt world’s biggest ransomware operation
• NCSC statement on law enforcement’s disruption of lockbit ransomware operation
• Law enforcement seizes top ransomware gang’s website
• Britain’s NCA, FBI, Europol disrupt Lockbit cybercrime gang
• LockBit Down!
• FBI and allies seize dark-web site of world’s most prolific ransomware gang

Analyst Comments:

CISA provides Cyber Essentials, which is a guide for leaders of small businesses as well as leaders of small and local government agencies to develop an actionable understanding of where to start implementing organizational cybersecurity practices. The guidance can also be used by FBOs.

CISA also provides the Cyber Essentials Toolkits, a set of modules designed to break down the CISA Cyber Essentials into bite-sized actions for IT and C-suite leadership to work toward full implementation of each Cyber Essential.

As always, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Protecting Digital Assets.

Continuing Threat of Fires at Houses of Worship

Fire as a Weapon, arson, and accidental fires continue to be a threat to all Houses of Worship and other Faith-Based Organization (FBO) facilities.

Recent House of Worship Fires:

• SC: Fire destroys Greenville Co. church and Piedmont fire investigating after church catches fire during renovations
• Louisiana church burns to the ground in weekend fire
• IA: Firefighters respond to Cedar Falls church fire
• KS: Topeka Churches allegedly set on fire, minor arrested and charged with arson
• Canada: Man charged with setting fire that damaged Regina church earlier this month

In January, the Catholic News Network reported “Arson attacks against churches in Canada are on the rise, according to a Canadian news outlet, which reported that since May 2021, 33 churches in Canada have been burned down to the ground.”

Analyst Comments:

FBOs should consider reviewing their prevention of and defense against fires. Most local fire departments will gladly visit FBOs and make recommendations to improve fire safety of the facilities.

Fire as a Weapon is a constant threat against Houses of Worship. FBOs should consider taking actions to protect against Fire as a Weapon attacks. Also, many violent protests utilize Fire as a Weapon and a house of worship may be an intended target or an incidental victim.

Protection Measures:

• Security begins in the parking lot.
• Install fencing and bollards.
• Keep doors and windows locked, but ensure that all emergency exits are well marked and functioning.
• Install break resistant windows or protective covers over stained-glass windows.
• Illuminate exterior and entrances.
• Clear things like shrubbery that block the view of the building (also mitigates spread of fire).
• Secure flammable liquids and chemicals.
• Clean up – Remove anything that could fuel a fire.
• Keep dumpsters and recycling bins away from buildings.
• Protect the underside of buildings. Do not provide an edge that facilitates easy ignition.
• Bathrooms are leading area of origin for arson fires in occupied stores and offices.
• Report odd or suspicious activities to your local law enforcement.
• Communicate with local law enforcement about prevention methods.
• Follow all local building and fire codes and regulations.
• Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
• Buildings should have fire resistant exteriors.
• Maintain fire extinguishers and train staff to use them. Consider having larger extinguishers than those required by code.
• Clean up – Remove anything (including shrubbery) that could fuel a fire.
• Invite Fire Department to evaluate and pre-plan your facilities.

Additional Resources:

• CISA’s Fire As A Weapon Action Guide
• US Fire Administration website: Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson

As always, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Securing Facilities and People

Nerd Out EP 45. Venue security, extremist news, and what to look for in 2024.

The Gate 15 Nerd Out! Security Panel Discussion, moderated by Dave Pounder, focuses on physical security topics including terrorism, extremism, hostile events, and other pertinent topics.

In the latest episode of Nerd Out, Dave is joined by stalwarts Bridget Johnson and Joe Levy to talk about the latest security news. They talked about the impacts of the Lakewood Church shooting, and what to take away from it. Then they talked about other incidents, and the latest news from the terrorism front. Is it all quiet or is this just a ruse…? Finally, they talk about what to look forward to in 2024, and it really shouldn’t be a surprise.

• Joe Levy is the Assistant General Manager at the Barclays Center.
• Bridget Johnson is a CNN Opinion Editor and terrorism and extremism expert who has decades worth of experience analyze threat activities.