Cyber Threat to U.S. Critical Infrastructure: A Call to Action
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
1M ago
On January 31st, leaders in U.S. cybersecurity testified before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The focus was on the fundamental flaws in the nation’s critical infrastructure and the urgent need for action. While the takedown of the Chinese hacking operation Volt Typhoon made headlines, the broader issues addressed by the heads of the FBI, CISA, NSA, Cyber Command, and the ONCD (Office of the National Cyber Director) deserve equal attention. FBI Director’s Major Announcement: FBI Director Chris Wray unveiled the operation against Volt Typhoon, a state-sponsore ..read more
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“Foreign Adversaries Exploit PIs: UK Firm Sounds Alarm on Investigative Manipulation”
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
2M ago
Earlier this month, a UK Private Investigations firm shared a timely and insightful article highlighting the concerning trend of bad actors seeking the assistance of private investigators to carry out their covert activities. The article, titled “Overseas Instructions: A ‘Clean and Present Danger’ to UK PIs,” sheds light on the potential risks involved. Authored by Dick Smith, Co-Director of IP Forensics (GB) Ltd based in Bristol, the article was initially published on their website and subsequently reposted on the Association of British Investigators website. The piece effectively delves int ..read more
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BBC Report: Custom ChatGPT—A Potential Tool for Scammers
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
3M ago
Last month, the BBC published a report shedding light on the unsettling ways scammers could leverage Open AI’s ChatGPT builder platform. The implications are worrisome. The BBC outlined how the ChatGPT builder platform can be trained to produce language designed to deceive others, In their experiment, BBC News subscribed to the paid version of ChatGPT, costing £20 per month, and created a private bespoke AI bot named Crafty Emails. The bot was instructed to generate text using techniques aimed at persuading individuals to click on links or download files. The report delved into five classic s ..read more
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Unveiling the CCP’s Use of Private Investigators: Insights from the U.S. House Select Committee’s Final 2023 Hearing
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
3M ago
Ten days ago, the U.S. Congress Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concluded its last hearing of 2023, shedding light on a pressing concern. Chaired by Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) and co-chaired by Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Michigan), the committee delved into the topic of Transnational Repression (TNR). NOTE: IP Probe Blog started coverage of this alarming issue in November 2020. One of several noteworthy exchanges during the hearing involved Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s inquiry about the utilization of private investigators by the CCP to surveil, harass, and repress ..read more
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Key Takeaways from the 2023 Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
5M ago
Recently, the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) wrapped up its 3rd Summit. This event received extensive coverage in the media, with notable interviews and discussions, including insights from representatives of member countries and Anne Neuberger, the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor. You can watch the CSIS video-interview and explore various reports on the summit through the embedded links. In this post, we’ll highlight four significant aspects that stood out in the ongoing battle against ransomware. 1. No More Ransom Payments: One of the most significant outcomes was t ..read more
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Business Travel to China—Risky Business
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
5M ago
Last month, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the challenges business executives could face when traveling to China. TROUBLING TREND There have been more and more incidents of executives doing business in China being detained. This is becoming a more and more alarming trend. One of the more prominent examples is the Kroll executive, who has not been able to leave since September 29th. Two weeks ago, news broke that the Chinese government formally arrested a Japanese drug manufacturing executive who had been detained since March. SOFT INTERROGATION At the very least, Dale Buckner, CEO ..read more
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The Ongoing Fentanyl Menace: China’s Precursors and a Deadly Additive
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
6M ago
Introduction: Ten days ago, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped a bombshell, announcing the indictment of eight Chinese chemical companies and twelve individuals. The charge? Continuing to ship the raw materials, known as precursors, used in the creation of fentanyl. Fentanyl remains a devastating issue in the United States, and despite growing international concern, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has yet to put a halt to these deadly shipments. Alarming Revelations: The recent announcement unearthed several deeply unsettling issues. Not only are these Chinese chemical companie ..read more
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China’s “Thousand Grains of Sand” Espionage Strategy Persists
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
6M ago
Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released an article titled “Chinese Gate-Crashers at U.S. Bases Spark Espionage Concerns,” shedding light on the disconcerting incidents involving Chinese nationals frequently finding themselves mysteriously misplaced on or near U.S. military bases. Unusual Activities The WSJ piece outlined some eyebrow-raising examples of what these lost individuals were caught doing: Venturing into a U.S. missile range in New Mexico. Engaging in scuba diving escapades near a U.S. rocket launch site in Florida. Posing for photos within a U.S. Army range. Chinese ..read more
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Tornado Cash Founders–Linked to North Korea–Indicted for Laundering Over $1 Billion in Criminal Proceeds
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
7M ago
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unsealed an indictment charging the founders of Tornado Cash with a series of offenses related to money laundering and sanctions violations. What is Tornado Cash? Tornado Cash is a cryptocurrency mixer that facilitated the laundering of more than $1 billion in criminal proceeds, including transactions for the Lazarus Group, a sanctioned North Korean cybercrime organization. This cryptocurrency mixer purported to offer users untraceable and anonymous financial transactions, allowing for the movement of funds without detection. Ties to North Korea T ..read more
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NFT Marketplace-Impersonations Lead to Cryptocurrency Theft
IP-PI-BLOG
by Ron Alvarez
7M ago
Last month the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of a Moroccan national for spoofing an NFT website on the Open Sea marketplace that resulted in the theft of a Manhattan resident’s cryptocurrency investment of $450,000. Unfortunately, we have seen this spoofing strategy before. In January of this year, it was reported that North Korea has become very proficient at doing the same. In our January blog post, we extracted from some of the reporting a list of actions an NFT investor can take to minimize becoming a victim. But there was one item not mentioned on the list tha ..read more
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