Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 17 March 2025

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. 

Industry groups ‘alarmed’ Education Department cuts may weaken school cybersecurity 

Industry groups are expressing concern over recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET), fearing that this will negatively impact cybersecurity efforts in K-12 schools. The cuts, part of broader staffing reductions, threaten to undermine progress in digital learning and cybersecurity, which have become crucial to education in recent years. Groups like the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the Center for Democracy and Technology worry that the loss of expertise and resources will leave schools vulnerable to technological risks and hinder efforts to use AI responsibly whole protecting student privacy. The cuts come at a time when state and local cybersecurity collaborations are becoming increasingly important.  

Analyst Comments: With the cuts to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology there is a potential risk due to weakened cybersecurity efforts in schools. The cuts may result in a loss of expertise and critical resources needed to protect educational institutions from growing cybersecurity threats. It is important to protect sensitive student data, secure online learning environments, and ensure compliance with privacy laws.  

Security Best Practices – Protecting Student Privacy 

Pyrotechnics blamed as fire rips though North Macedonia nightclub, killing 59 people 

A tragic fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia, early Sunday morning, killing 59 people and injuring over 150. The fire is believed to have been sparked by pyrotechnics used during a live performance by the band DNK. Around 500 people were inside the venue at the time, and many victims died from being trampled in the ensuring panic as people rushed to escape the flames. Among the victims were several members of the band and a local football player Andrej Lazarov. 

Authorities arrested around 20 people, including band members, government officials, and the club’s owner. Investigations revealed that the nightclub’s license was issued illegally. The incident has been described as one of the deadliest nightclub fires in recent years, drawing international condolences and support.  

Analyst Comments: The large number of victims who were trampled in panic to escape highlights a critical issue in crowd control and emergency evacuation planning. This shows a need for venues to have effective crowd management systems in place, including clear exits, adequate staff training, and functioning fire alarm systems.  

Emergency Action Plan – Develop & Implement an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 

‘I’ve seen nothing like this since I was a kid’: At least 39 people have died across 7 states after powerful storm system 

A powerful storm system that swept across the U.S. over the weekend caused widespread devastation, killing at least 39 people and leaving numerous communities in ruins. The storm, which included violent tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms, impacted seven states, with Missouri suffering the most deaths (12), followed by Kansas (8). Alabama and Arkansas also experienced severe damage. At least 80 tornadoes were reported, with two EF4 tornadoes hitting Arkansas, the strongest in over 25 years. These tornadoes caused extensive damage, including the destruction of homes and schools, and contributed to fatalities.  

In addition to the tornados, wildfires, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, led to heightened risk of fire in the Plains and Rockies, with at least 130 wildfires in Oklahoma alone, causing additional deaths. Many of the victims were trapped or killed due to the car crashed from dust storms, including a 8-vehicle pileup in Kansas. 

Analyst Comments: Faith-based organizations are often at the forefront of local recovery efforts, providing immediate relief in the form of shelter, food, medical assistance, and emotional support. In this disaster, Alabama’s Winterboro Community Church and volunteers from Revive Church exemplify how Faith-Based groups are pivotal in coordinating relief efforts and providing comfort during strategies. It is important to protect your home, place of business, and place of worship. As always, FB-ISAO’s website has valuable resources at Resource Library – FB-ISAO 

• Tornado Relief 
• What to do After a Tornado  

‘Neo-nazi’ boy, 15, accused of planning terrorist attack on synagogues 

A 15-year-old boy from Northumberland has been charged with preparing to commit acts of terrorism, including plans to attack synagogues and a phone mast. He is accused of acquiring weapons, such as a crossbow, and downloading extremist manuals. Authorities also found Nazi memorabilia and other disturbing items at his home. The teenager is also charged with membership in The Base, a proscribed white supremacist group. He was arrested in February 2024 during a pre-planned operation. The boy appeared in court at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing and has been remanded in custody. A trial is set for January 2025. 

Analyst Comments: The case of the 15-year-old charged with planning a terrorist attack and being influenced by far-right extremism shows the increasing involvement of young people in extremist activities. The teenager’s acquisition of weapons and extremist materials online is a clear indicator of how easily such content can be accessed.  

GCERF-Preventing Violent Extremism