Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 17 November 2023

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. 

The Rise of Cybersecurity Threats Amidst the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

World Report Now reports:

“As tensions escalate between Israel and Hamas, U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about the potential for Iranian cyberattacks aimed at American interests and critical infrastructure. While the immediate focus is on Israel and its allies, including the United States, it is crucial to recognize that the threat extends beyond these specific targets.

…

To counter the potential cyber threats, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is fortifying its monitoring efforts. CISA, in collaboration with its Israeli partners, is updating its warning system, Shields Up, to address new threats arising from the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Shields Up provides cybersecurity recommendations and guidance to critical infrastructure operators, enabling them to protect their networks against destructive cyberattacks.”

The article also mentions FB-ISAO’s role in sharing threat information.

“Efforts are also underway to ensure effective information sharing and collaboration with external groups that might become targets of Iranian cyberattacks, including religious organizations. DHS is working closely with the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO) to share threat information and strengthen the security posture of U.S. religious groups.”

Analyst Comments:

Faith-Based Organizations should consider taking full advantage of CISA’s Shields Up campaign webpage, which provides recommendations, products, and resources to increase organizational vigilance and keep stakeholders informed about cybersecurity threats and destructive exploits against critical infrastructure.

In addition to this Daily Awareness Post, FB-ISAO provides Bulletins, Advisories, Weekly Reports, Pass Throughs, and other alerts. These alerts and FB-ISAO Slack provide members with the most up-to-the-minute information on threats and the means and resources to defend against them. Join here.

Meeting Notice for Faith-Based Security Advisory Council

The meeting will take place from 3:00 p.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: DHS senior leadership and FBSAC Chair and Vice Chair will provide opening remarks. Taskings will be assigned to the Council, followed by a moderated discussion. The Designated Federal Officer will provide an update on the implementation of recommendations from the June 6, 2023, FBSAC meeting. A brief discussion of the state of current affairs in the Middle East will take place. The meeting will adjourn at 4:00 p.m. ET. Members of the public may register to participate in this Council teleconference via the following procedures. Each individual must provide their full legal name and email address no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, to Sameer Hossain of the Council via email to [email protected] or via phone at 202–891–2876. 

Analyst Comments:

Mayya Saab, Executive Director of FB-ISAO is a member of the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council and participates by providing input on strategy and policy, information-sharing and coordination, programs and initiatives, as well as evaluation and feedback.

The teleconference is open to the public and members of the faith community should consider attending.