Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 2 April 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.    

Weekly Security Sprint EP 105. Hurricane forecast, Vehicle ramming study, and more 

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of he week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.    

In this week’s Security Sprint, Dave and Andy covered the following topics:

• Severe weather 
• Vehicle Ramming & Terrorism 
• North Korean Worker Threats 

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found here. 

Forecasters warn of an impending outbreak of long-lasting, strong tornadoes and once-in-a-lifetime flooding | CNN  

Severe weather is expected to impact parts of the central and eastern United States on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as a powerful spring storm system brings a high risk of long-last tornadoes and significant flooding.  

• Tornado Outbreak: A widespread tornado outbreak is expected, with over 20 million people at risk from Louisiana to Ohio. Strong tornadoes, including EF2 and potentially EF3+ storms, are likely. The tornado threat will increase in the afternoon and continue into the evening. 
• Severe Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms have already begun in the Plains, with storms tracking eastward into the Mississippi Valley. These storms will produce damaging winds, hail, and strong, long-lived tornadoes. 
• Generational Flooding: A stalled weather front will lead to heavy, continuous rainfall, setting the stage for a “once-in-a-lifetime” flooding event. Parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi are expected to receive up to 15 inches of rain by Saturday, potentially causing life-threatening flooding. Flood watches are in effect across multiple states, with a rare “high risk” warning for extreme flooding, particularly in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. 

Forecasters are urging residents in affected areas to take immediate precautions as these dangerous weather events unfold. 

Analyst Comments: The severe tornado and flooding risks should not be underestimated, authorities are right to issue urgent warning, and residents in affected areas should be proactive in seeking shelter and evacuating if needed. The storm’s unpredictability and strength underscore the need for immediate attention to this life-threatening weather event. The U.S. in entering a period where multiple types of natural disasters and severe weather will be a concern. Emergency communications play a pivotal role in disaster response, coordination, and recovery. April is Emergency Communications Month is a reminder of the critical need to ensure that these systems are not only functional but resilient during emergencies.  

The Weaponization of PDFs : 68% of Cyberattacks begin in your inbox, with 22% of these hiding in PDFs – Check Point Blog 

According to Check Point, 68% of cyberattacks begin via email, with 22% of these hiding malicious content in PDFs. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in PDFs, which often contain hidden scripts or malicious links. Attackers use this method to deliver ransomware, steal credentials, or install malware. Despite PDFs being a commonly used format, their potential as a weapon in cyberattacks remains underestimated. The article emphasizes the need for robust security measures, such as email filtering and regular updates to PDF readers, to mitigate the risks of such attacks. 

Analyst Comments: The fact that 22% of cyberattacks now involve PDFs underscores a growing trend where attackers are leveraging commonly trusted document formats for malicious purposes. This highlights a shift in tactics, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting less obvious vulnerabilities. PDFs, once seen as a safe format, are now being weaponized as a vector for malware delivery, which demands heightened attention from both individuals and organizations. While PDFs are a staple in daily digital communication, their increasing use in cyberattacks demands greater vigilance and stronger defenses. Organizations must adapt quickly to combat this evolving threat and safeguard their data and systems. Considering that email is widely used by all members of the organization, it is critical that all users are provided training to raise awareness to threats, and adhere to proper cyber hygiene practices. 

Hamas Likely to Escalate Attacks on Israelis Abroad, National Security Council Warns 

Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has issued a warning regarding an expected escalation in attacks targeting Israelis and Jews abroad, particularly as tensions in Gaza continue to rise. The council highlighted that Hamas, under mounting pressure, is likely to increase efforts to carry out attacks against Israeli citizens and institutions overseas. This follows a series of foiled plots in Europe, including arrests in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The NSC also pointed to Iran as a major sponsor of terrorism targeting Israeli and Jewish interests globally. In addition, the rise in lone-wolf-style attacks and actions by global jihadist groups like ISIS is increasing the overall threat environment. Israeli citizens are advised to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid high-risk areas such as the Sinai Peninsula. 

Analyst Comments: The warning from Israel’s National Security Council highlights a significant and expanding threat to Israeli citizens and Jewish institutions abroad. The likelihood of Hamas increasing its attacks overseas indicates a shift from a primarily regional conflict to a broader, global security concern. This escalation could be influenced by Hamas’s desire to amplify its impact and exert pressure beyond Israel’s borders, especially as it faces military challenges within Gaza. The National Security Council’s warning reflects an increasingly volatile situation where Israeli citizens and Jewish targets abroad are facing a greater risk from Hamas and other extremist organizations. It calls for a more proactive and coordinated international response to ensure the safety of these communities and prevent future attacks. Members are reminded that attacks do not need to be carried out by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) to be effective, and we continue to see lone actors inspired by global calls to action as well.