Al Qaeda again threatens New York, Washington and Los Angeles (thread 2) Daily Terror Threat

DEBKA ^ | 11/03/03

[Mossad1967]

Al Qaeda again threatens New York, Washington and Los Angeles

Link to Thread #1

[Revel]

Wow! You have been busy. Thanks :)

[appalachian_dweller]

>> pre-announced "spring offensive" into pakistan <<

Not sure what to make of it. Disinformation most likely.

I'm sure we have plans to take control of key nuclear facilities in case of a coup or something. I really hope we do.

[milkncookies]

By eWEEK.com Staff January 28, 2004

Russian anti-virus specialist Kaspersky Labs has identified a variant of MyDoom, the worm that has been spreading through the Internet at a furious pace since Monday.

The variant, which Kaspersky has labelled MyDoom.b, has a slightly larger payload compared with MyDoom.a and targets Microsoft Corp. for a denial-of-service attack to be launched starting on Feb. 1, instead of The SCO Group Inc. The worm features minor modifications to the text of the e-mail that carries it, but is otherwise identical to the original.

It is understood that MyDoom.b may have been distributed using the network of PCs infected with MyDoom.a, something that a spokesman for Kaspersky claimed means the Internet "may be facing a much more serious outbreak than the one caused by Mydoom.a."

For more on MyDoom, check out eWEEK.com's Securing Windows special report.

The appearance of a variant of MyDoom is an unwelcome twist in the saga of one of the most rapidly spreading worms in Internet history. By Monday, MyDoom was infecting one in 12 e-mails sent, according to MessageLabs Inc, a New York-based e-mail security company. The worm has also been blamed for slow performance from Web servers over the past few days, as corporate firewalls and filters struggle to cope with increased traffic.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1472448,00.asp

[judicial meanz]

She's a mess...thats why I keep her around..LOL

[Letitring]

Here's some info.

Snip:

What some of the 72,000 football fans climbing into the upper levels of the palatial $449 million Reliant Stadium next Sunday can see is a glimpse of the Erector-set-like collection of chemical plants and refineries that dot the otherwise flat horizon and helped make Houston the energy capital of the world

[milkncookies]

By eWEEK.com Staff January 28, 2004

Russian anti-virus specialist Kaspersky Labs has identified a variant of MyDoom, the worm that has been spreading through the Internet at a furious pace since Monday.

The variant, which Kaspersky has labelled MyDoom.b, has a slightly larger payload compared with MyDoom.a and targets Microsoft Corp. for a denial-of-service attack to be launched starting on Feb. 1, instead of The SCO Group Inc. The worm features minor modifications to the text of the e-mail that carries it, but is otherwise identical to the original.

It is understood that MyDoom.b may have been distributed using the network of PCs infected with MyDoom.a, something that a spokesman for Kaspersky claimed means the Internet "may be facing a much more serious outbreak than the one caused by Mydoom.a."

For more on MyDoom, check out eWEEK.com's Securing Windows special report.

The appearance of a variant of MyDoom is an unwelcome twist in the saga of one of the most rapidly spreading worms in Internet history. By Monday, MyDoom was infecting one in 12 e-mails sent, according to MessageLabs Inc, a New York-based e-mail security company. The worm has also been blamed for slow performance from Web servers over the past few days, as corporate firewalls and filters struggle to cope with increased traffic.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1472448,00.asp

[knak]

FBI, DHS Warn of Possible Subway, Rail Attacks

[Revel]

"if they have a nuke, why use it in Houston? the super bowl aside, using it in NYC or DC would have a much more devastating effect."


Well that is true. And if everyone is expecting them to try something in Houston then it would fit the definition of being "Unexpected" if they attacked NYC or DC or LA.

[Mossad1967]

Warning For Early February

Compiled By: Ryan Mauro, with input by HomelandSecurityUS.com

tdcanalyst@optonline.net



From speaking with fellow analysts at the Northeast Intelligence Network (HomelandSecurityUS.com), WorldThreats.com feels it is essential to issue a special warning about the time period between now and mid-February. On the positive side, we continue to see a series of captures of key Taliban and Al-Qaeda figures, coming from the top-down indicating there was some big catch that is giving away their locations, either by interrogation or from documents found. As earlier noted, it is possible this is Osama Bin Laden or Ayman Al-Zawahiri, but it is definitely someone big. Hopefully, this will result in a foiling of operations aimed against us.

Despite the lowering of the orange alert, generally the high level of “chatter” has not subsided, and major cities and potential attack sites remain on orange alert, despite the national level being at “elevated”. On January 27th, analyst Sean Osbourne Lamax reported that lots of jihad-related emails talked of mass confusion over the next day, and not surprisingly, this is when one of the worst computer viruses (infecting one of every twelve emails already) hit the news. It is clearly the work of hackers, and we know terrorists have used such tactics in the past. It is still the opinion of many analysts that the blackouts of last year were the result of some sort of sabotage or cyber terrorism. For that reason, terrorism cannot be ruled out on this virus, as it is certainly deliberate. It all depends on who is behind it. Unfortunately there is no way to determine that as of yet.

Intelligence indicates preparations for an attack on Saudi Arabia and the United States at around the same time. The chatter indicates that initial attacks are to pave the wave for civil war in Saudi Arabia against the royal family. On February 1, 2004, Muslim pilgrims will arrive at Mina (for the Haj pilgrimage), and it symbolizes the stoning of the devils. Wahhabist and other radical clerics have issued fatwa’s granting it justified for pilgrims to bring weapons to the holiday. This is also during the Festival of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha). Osama Bin Laden also talked of delivering the greatest blows yet by the end of the year, which according to the Muslim calendar, ends on February 21st. These days of extreme religious importance are the most likely times for the uprising against Saudi Arabia, to be timed with attacks on America. This coming weekend is also Super Bowl weekend, and images of nuclear explosions near stadiums have been intercepted, as well as pictures of nuclear explosions over New York City, and other suspicious images—all with Osama Bin Laden in the background. Al-Qaeda spokesmen have promised attacks before mid-February, giving a rare timetable.

Our intelligence gathering also leaves us certain that Al-Qaeda intends to somehow alert the major media outlets of an impending attack before it occurs, so as to gain maximum exposure. One more point, even if the Super Bowl isn’t the target, the objective of terrorists is to cause economic disruption and fear, so an attack on the same day or around the same time will achieve a similar effect as if attacking the event directly. We cannot say with certainty what the targets are as we’re simply lining up the timing of the attacks.

On January 27th, in the words of one intelligence analyst, “all substantive chatter has ceased. There is nothing period. The last thing we heard were references to Osama Bin Laden as Osama Abdullah. Osama is going to be announced as the long-awaited Islamic al-Mahdi. The Wahhabists are into their apocalyptic scenario full-scale.” It is commonly understood that high levels of chatter indicate final preparations for attacks, and the sudden silence indicates the attacks are in motion.

There is also the question of state sponsorship. If Iran has a role in the attacks, or is simply letting them occur, there must be a reason. Such reasons could be to cause revolution in the Middle East, so that the US is too preoccupied with the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq to take any action against Iran, and to cause oil prices to go sky high, so we are economically damaged (and unable to threaten Iran or its ally, Syria). At this point, the failure of the American overseas efforts is critical to the survival of the Iranian regime. Also, it may not be far-fetched to say that enemy states would like to see maximum political effect of their attacks. Any major attack will have maximum political consequences, rendering the US unable to respond due to popular opinion and election concerns. We have little doubt that enemies like Iran or even Bin Laden would love to see Bush lose the next election, as it is unlikely someone more than or equally as aggressive as he will take power. The transition to a new president also buys time, as the new leader will likely be reluctant to respond.

Amir Taheri wrote in The New York Post on January 26, 2004 that while Iranian president Khatami was denouncing terror, “militants from some 40 countries spread across the globe were trekking to Tehran for a 10-day "revolutionary jamboree" in which "a new strategy to confront the American Great Satan" will be hammered out.

The event starts Feb. 1, to mark the 25th anniversary of the return to Iran from exile of the late Ayatollah Ruhallah Khomeini, the founder of the "Islamic Revolution." It is not clear how many militants will attend, but Iran's official media promise a massive turnout to underline the Islamic Republic's position as the "throbbing heart of world resistance to American arrogance." The 17 branches of Hezbollah, as well as Ansar al-Islam (part of Al-Qaeda), Hizb Islami (part of Al-Qaeda), Latin American terrorists, Irish terrorists, all the Palestinian groups, Basque and Corsican terrorists, and a wide range of many different types of terrorists are attending the conference. One can only speculate as to what this meeting is about, and what it will bring about.

[rickylc]

Now I'm truly sorry. That was a reference to a line from a movie, Monty Python's Holy Grail.

To make up for my joke, I researched the distance a peregrine can travel and found that North American birds will winter in Mexico and nest as far north as northen Alberta, so they are long distance travelers at certain times of the year. This is only at migration times however. A bird will stay within a relatively confined geographic area when not migrating.

I was trying to inject a bit of humor into a very tense time, no offense intended.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1067116/posts

"Muslim Web sites in spotlight as Qaeda scares spread"
Reuters ^ | Jan 28, 2004 | Firouz Sedarat


Posted on 01/28/2004 3:46:33 PM PST by JohnathanRGalt


"
Muslim Web sites in spotlight as Qaeda scares spread"


By Firouz Sedarat, Jan 28, 2004

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "DUBAI (Reuters) - Islamist Web sites are drawing a wide audience as possible harbingers of al Qaeda attacks but experts say they are erratic and unreliable sources of warnings that could save lives.



Analysts say the sites, used by al Qaeda backers to spread their message, are unlikely sources of exact information on where or how Osama bin Laden's network might strike next -- though an experienced eye may spot the more probable comments."

[WestCoastGal]

Funny that the first time they mentioned Tahiya they didn't mention dancer, did they? We brought that up here on this thread if my memory hasn't failed me altogether.

[appalachian_dweller]

I'm not sure musharif would give the US premission to send our military into his country, but stranger things have happened. I would think there would be a backlash in his support for allowing a US military presense within Pakistan's borders.

[Cindy]

Resource Links for Post No. 1408

DHS.gov
http://www.dhs.gov

FBI.gov
http://www.fbi.gov

[Calpernia]

Now you are just WAY too impressive! THANK YOU!

[rickylc]

I had the same impression, actually, about the view from outer space, not from earth. I was originally thinking it was a view of the moon from outer space, thus explaining the phase not looking right, but your suggestion of global conflict on earth also seems plausibe.

[Cindy]

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3086

Press Releases


U.S. Department of Homeland Security Improves America's Cyber Security Preparedness--Unveils National Cyber Alert System


For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 28, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today unveiled the National Cyber Alert System, an operational system delivering to Americans timely and actionable information to better secure their computer systems.



As part of this program, Homeland Security is making available a series of information products targeted for home users and technical experts in businesses and government agencies.  These e-mail products will provide timely information on computer security vulnerabilities, potential impact, and action required to mitigate threats, as well as PC security "best practices" and "how to" guidance.


"The President's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace provides a framework for the public and private sectors to work together to secure cyberspace, "said Frank Libutti, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. " The National Cyber Security Division's mission is to serve as a focal point for implementing the National Strategy and protecting the American People."


"The development and initial operating capability of the National Cyber Alert System elevates awareness and helps improve America's IT security posture," said Amit Yoran, director of the National Cyber Security Division.  "We are focused on making the threats and recommended actions easier for all computer users to understand, prioritize, and act upon.  We recognize the importance and urgency of our mission and are taking action."


Homeland Security National Cyber Alert System


This new National Cyber Alert System is America's first coordinated national cyber security system for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing emerging vulnerabilities and threats.  Managed by the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), a partnership between NCSD and the private sector, the National Cyber Alert System provides the first infrastructure for relaying graded computer security update and warning information to all users.  


The system evolves previous framework models such as CERT/CC Advisories and other similar efforts in the private sector.  It provides actionable information to empower all citizens (from computer security professionals to home computer users with basic skills) to better secure their portion of cyberspace.  The National Cyber Alert System provides credible and timely information on cyber security issues and allows DHS to provide both technical and easy to understand information on a timely basis.


What is Offered? How Do Users Subscribe?


The new National Cyber Alert System security suite of products includes:



Cyber Security Tips:  Targeted at non-technical home and corporate computer users, the bi-weekly Tips provide information on best computer security practices and "how-to" information. How to Access:  Sign up at www.us-cert.gov.

Cyber Security Bulletins:  Targeted at technical audiences, Bulletins provide bi-weekly summaries of security issues, new vulnerabilities, potential impact, patches and work-arounds, as well as actions required to mitigate risk.  How to Access:  Sign up at www.us-cert.gov.

 Cyber Security Alerts:  Available in two forms--regular for non-technical users and advanced for technical users--Cyber Security Alerts provide real-time information about security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits currently occurring.  Alerts encourage all users to take rapid action.  How to Access:  Sign up at www.us-cert.gov  









All information products are available on a free subscription basis and are delivered via push e-mail.  Home users can also access Cyber Security Tips and Cyber Security Alerts from US-CERT affiliates including StaySafe Online (www.staysafeonline.info).  


About the National Cyber Security Division


The National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) is part of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection in the Department of Homeland Security.  NCSD is charged with coordinating the implementation of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace and serves as the single National point of contact for the public and private sector regarding cyber security issues.  NCSD is also charged with identifying, analyzing, and reducing cyber threats and vulnerabilities; disseminating threat warning information; coordinating incident response; and providing technical assistance in continuity of operations and recovery planning.  NCSD's US-CERT serves as a focal point--bridging public and private sector institutions--to advance computer security preparedness and response.  


For more information visit www.us-cert.gov.


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