New form of Extremism in Canada. Israel hit by terrorist attack.

🎙️ Welcome to Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, your source for expert analysis on the world’s most pressing intelligence, national security, and counterterrorism stories. Hosted by Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer with over 25 years of experience, this podcast offers in-depth insights and top-tier commentary on the biggest stories shaping global security today.

🔍 In this episode:
Neil begins with an update on the Skripal poisoning case, where Sergei and Yulia Skripal remain in hiding due to the ongoing threat from Russian intelligence. He then dives into a new report on "salad bar extremism" in Canada, which signals a shift in violent extremism and complicates the work of law enforcement agencies. The episode continues with revelations about foreign interference in Canadian politics, focusing on attempts by China and India to influence government decisions.

Next, Neil discusses Hezbollah’s internal disarray following the death of Hassan Nasrallah and what this could mean for Canadian security. He also covers a significant Chinese cyber-espionage attack targeting over 9,200 Canadian devices. Additionally, Neil breaks down the alarming relationship between Russia’s FSB and the cybercriminal gang Evil Corp, which carried out attacks on NATO countries. Finally, he wraps up with a disturbing analysis of a terror attack in Jaffa, Israel, and its implications for regional and global security.

💡 Stay ahead of the curve with the latest intelligence insights. This episode is packed with critical information for those looking to stay informed in the ever-evolving world of global intelligence.

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If you enjoyed today’s episode, consider supporting us via Buy Me A Coffee or through Buzzsprout. Your contributions help keep this in-depth analysis coming.

🔔 Episode Breakdown:

1. Intro (00:00 - 01:36)
2. Skripal Poisoning Case Update (01:37 - 06:25)
3. Salad Bar Extremism in Canada (06:26 - 11:10)
4. Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics (11:11 - 16:08)
5. Hezbollah’s Leadership Disarray (16:09 - 18:54)
6. Chinese Cyber-Espionage Attack on Canada (18:55 - 22:30)
7. Russia’s FSB and Evil Corp Cybercrime (22:31 - 24:52)
8. Terrorist Attack in Israel (24:53 - 25:01)
9. Outro (25:02 - 26:24)

Transcript

2024 10 04 Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up

INTRO:
Welcome to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up for the week ending October 5th, 2024—your exclusive source for cutting-edge analysis of the world’s most pressing intelligence, national security, and counterterrorism developments.

In today’s episode, Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer with over 20 years of experience in national security and intelligence, takes you deep into three major stories shaping the global security landscape. 

Neil will analyze the recent terrorist acts in Israel—are they more retaliation from Iran and its proxies? 

He’ll also break down the alarming breach of almost 10,000 devices in Canada, hacked by Chinese actors. 

Finally, Neil will examine the new terminology emerging in Canadian domestic terrorism.
With his extensive background in intelligence collection and analysis, Neil Bisson brings you insights and perspectives that you won’t find anywhere else.

Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts, and ask your smart speaker to play Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. 

If you enjoy today’s briefing, please share it, leave a rating, and stay ahead of the curve.
Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/GIKN or visit Buzzsprout to help power the expert analysis you depend on.

MUSIC
Hello everyone and welcome back to Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up. 
In our first story, we’re diving into an issue that’s made headlines recently, involving one of the most infamous cases of Russian espionage in modern times: the Skripal poisoning in Salisbury. 
This case has lasting implications, not only for the Skripals but also for global security.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Skripal case, let me give you a brief recap. 
In 2018, Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer turned British informant, and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with the deadly Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, England. 
The attack was widely attributed to Russian intelligence operatives, although the Kremlin has continuously denied involvement.
In this most recent development, Sergei and Yulia Skripal will not give evidence in a public inquiry regarding the death of Dawn Sturgess. 
Sturgess, a completely innocent bystander, tragically died four months after the Skripal attack when she came into contact with a discarded Novichok-laced bottle. 
The inquiry is set to examine her death, but the judge presiding over the case has ruled that the potential risks to the Skripals’ safety outweigh any benefit of their testimony.
From an intelligence perspective, this development is significant. The use of Novichok, a highly dangerous and hard-to-detect nerve agent, highlights the extent to which state actors like Russia are willing to go to carry out covert assassinations on foreign soil. 
The fact that the Skripals are still in hiding, years after the attack, shows the ongoing threat they face from Russian operatives. 
The risks associated with them testifying in any capacity are simply too great, which speaks volumes about the continued reach of Russian intelligence.
To put this into context, we’ve seen several similar attacks throughout history where defectors or foreign assets become targets for assassination. 
The Skripal case is particularly chilling because of the weapon used. 
Novichok was developed during the Soviet era as a chemical weapon, and its deployment in Salisbury was a reminder that the Cold War tactics of espionage and political assassinations are still alive and well today.
Compare this event to other high-profile poisonings, such as the case of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. 
Litvinenko, another former Russian intelligence officer who fled to the UK, was killed using radioactive polonium-210, a rare and lethal substance. 
Both cases illustrate the Kremlin’s willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to silence perceived enemies.
In this article, Lord Hughes, the judge leading the inquiry, made it clear that the security risks to the Skripals are real and present. 
He ruled out even the possibility of remote testimony because of the fear that their location could be compromised. 
This decision underscores the grave dangers faced by defectors and former spies, even years after their initial defection.
From my perspective, having worked in the intelligence field, it’s important to recognize that this level of precaution is warranted. 
Sergei and Yulia Skripal were the targets of an assassination attempt orchestrated by a powerful state actor, and their continued survival is nothing short of remarkable. 
Allowing them to testify in any capacity, even though video link, would likely open them up to renewed targeting by Russian intelligence operatives.
The decision to exclude the Skripals from testifying in the inquiry surrounding Dawn Sturgess' tragic death highlights the persistent threats they face, and the broader danger posed by state-sponsored assassinations. 
As we see time and again in cases like this, espionage doesn’t stop at borders or timeframes.
The reach of these intelligence agencies is vast, and their operations can affect the lives of many, including innocent civilians like Dawn Sturgess.
In terms of future implications, it’s likely that this inquiry will uncover further details about the Salisbury attack, but the Skripals will remain hidden for their own safety. 
It’s a reminder to all of us that the world of intelligence and espionage is a dangerous one, with real consequences that extend far beyond the agents themselves.
MUSIC
In our next story, we’re diving into a troubling new development in Canada regarding a phenomenon referred to as "salad bar extremism." 

This term has emerged in a recent internal government report, and it signifies a troubling shift in the motivations behind violent extremism.

The report, released by the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre or ITAC, warns that Canada is now facing attacks driven by "salad bar extremism." 

This refers to individuals who adopt a composite of views from different ideologies rather than adhering to a single coherent belief system.

One key incident highlighted in the report is the shooting at Edmonton City Hall on January 23, 2024, where Bezhani Sarvar, armed with an SKS-style rifle, opened fire and threw incendiary devices inside the building. 

In his manifesto, Sarvar expressed grievances ranging from societal corruption to international issues, illustrating how a mix of motivations can converge into acts of violence.

This trend is significant. It indicates a shift away from traditional ideological extremism—such as religious or political motivations—to a more chaotic and unpredictable form of violence. 

Individuals influenced by “salad bar extremism” may not fit neatly into predefined categories of extremism, making them harder to identify and predict.

To contextualize this phenomenon, we must look at the history of extremism in Canada and elsewhere. 

Traditional extremist groups have been categorized as religiously, politically, or ideologically motivated. 

However, the rise of composite extremism highlights a concerning evolution in the motivations for violence.

For example, we’ve seen similar trends in other countries where individuals adopt fragmented beliefs and grievances, leading to unpredictable violent actions. 

The case of Corey Hurren, who rammed his truck into Rideau Hall in 2020, is a prime example of this trend, where a mix of personal grievances and political frustrations fueled his actions.

In the article, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin comments on this emerging trend, stating that while traditional religiously motivated violent extremism persists, there’s an increasing presence of individuals motivated by a mix of ideologies. 

Gauvin emphasizes that this hybridization of beliefs poses unique challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

As a former intelligence officer, I find this shift particularly concerning. 

The blurring of ideological lines complicates the landscape for threat assessment. 

When individuals draw from various beliefs, it makes it difficult for agencies to anticipate actions based on traditional warning signs.

The emergence of salad bar extremism in Canada signifies a worrying trend in the motivations behind violent acts. 

The ITAC report underscores the need for continued vigilance as the motivations behind such incidents become increasingly complex and less predictable.

As we move forward, intelligence and law enforcement agencies must adapt their strategies to identify and mitigate threats stemming from this new breed of extremism.

MUSIC 

Sticking with news articles on national security threats to Canada, in our next story we’re delving into a pressing issue concerning foreign interference in Canadian politics.

In an article entitled Former parliamentarian worked on behalf of foreign government to influence Parliament. 

This article brings to light disturbing revelations from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) regarding the nature and extent of foreign influence within Canada’s political system.

According to the report released by CSIS during a public inquiry, a foreign government attempted to manipulate Canadian politics by trying to defeat a Liberal candidate and utilizing a former parliamentarian to influence parliamentary business. 

This assertion underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign actors seeking to meddle in Canada's political affairs.

CSIS officials revealed two new examples of foreign interference, bringing the total to seven known instances. 

Notably, they pointed to China as the most active country attempting to influence Canadian affairs, followed closely by India. 

Additionally, they warned that Iran might also seek to interfere in the next federal election, further complicating the landscape of national security.

The implications of these revelations are significant. Foreign interference is not merely a theoretical concern; it has tangible effects on democratic processes. 

The report indicates that these actions are often carried out using clandestine, deceptive tactics, which can undermine the integrity of Canada’s political system.

To fully understand this issue, we must consider the broader historical context of foreign interference in Canada. 

The ongoing inquiry was prompted by media reports alleging that foreign governments, particularly China, interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. 

While previous inquiries suggested that while some attempts at interference occurred, they did not alter the overall election outcomes, the nature of these threats continues to evolve.

For instance, the involvement of a foreign government in attempting to influence a federal candidate highlights the complexity of modern political landscapes, where traditional boundaries between domestic and foreign affairs increasingly blur. 

The actions of the former parliamentarian indicate that these threats may come from within Canada itself, complicating efforts to identify and counter them.

In the article, CSIS officials, including former director David Vigneault, emphasized the challenges posed by "cognitive warfare" and the emergence of composite extremism. 

Vigneault’s insights suggest that foreign actors are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, employing psychological tactics to sway public opinion and influence political decisions.

As someone who has worked as an intelligence professional, I recognize that the increasing complexity of these threats necessitates a proactive approach to national security. 

Understanding that foreign interference can come from various actors—whether state-sponsored or through proxy networks—is crucial for safeguarding democratic integrity.

The revelations from the CSIS report paint a concerning picture of foreign interference in Canadian politics, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting our democratic institutions. 

As we look toward future elections, it is essential that both government officials and the public remain aware of these threats and work collectively to mitigate their impact.

MUSIC

In our next story, we’re addressing a significant development in the Middle East and its implications for Canada, as detailed in a recent article by Stewart Bell titled “Hezbollah in ‘disarray’ after leader’s death. What does it mean for Canada?”

This article discusses the aftermath of the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and how it may impact the group’s operations, particularly in Canada, where Hezbollah has maintained a presence for decades.

The article highlights that Hezbollah is currently in a state of disarray following the death of Nasrallah, who was confirmed dead after Israeli airstrikes targeted the group's leadership and infrastructure. 

Matthew Levitt, an expert on Hezbollah, warns that this disorganization could lead to increased international terrorism as Hezbollah may resort to less coordinated, more desperate attacks.

Levitt points out that if the group is less capable of carrying out organized cross-border operations, supporters worldwide, angered by Nasrallah’s death, could carry out attacks independently. 

This raises serious concerns for security in Canada, where Hezbollah has been active since the 1990s.

The article also notes that while Hezbollah has not conducted attacks in Canada, it has been involved in various activities, including fundraising and procurement for operations abroad. 

With the group’s command structure weakened, it is essential to consider whether former members or supporters might take matters into their own hands.

To understand the full implications of this situation, we must look at Hezbollah's history and its relationship with Canada. 

The group, formed in 1982, has been closely tied to Iran and has been labeled as one of the most capable terrorist organizations globally. 

In Canada, Hezbollah has a network that has engaged in fundraising and procurement, making the country a vital hub for its operations.

Previous incidents, such as the Vancouver bus bombing linked to a Hezbollah member and the activities of individuals attempting to procure equipment for the group, highlight the potential for future threats, especially in the wake of leadership changes within Hezbollah.

Levitt’s comments regarding Hezbollah’s global footprint and the potential for increased independent actions among its supporters serve as a critical reminder of how rapidly the landscape of terrorism can shift in the wake of leadership changes.

Hezbollah’s current disarray following Nasrallah’s death poses a dual challenge for national security, both in terms of the organization’s capabilities and the potential for independent actions by its supporters. 

This now places Canada in a very precarious position. A large number of Lebanese-Canadians will likely be returning to Canada to flee the conflict. It is likely that a certain number of those returning to Canada will either be sympathetic to Hezbollah, or members of the terrorist group. 

This will likely lead to further propaganda, protests and procurement by Hezbollah and their supporters. 

Any country with a Lebanese diaspora will need to ensure that returning Lebanese-Canadians who demonstrate any ties to Hezbollah are monitored to prevent terrorist related activities from happening in their countries. 

Hezbollah members will use the evacuation from Lebanon as an opportunity to further, fund, recruit and rearm this dangerous militant group. 

As the situation evolves, Canada along with other western countries must remain vigilant against the risks of increased extremism and violence tied to this turbulent time.

MUSIC

The next story that we’re diving concerns a major cyber threat that has directly impacted Canada. 

A recent article from the National Post titled “China-backed hacker hijacked 9,200 Canadian devices to operate illegal hacking network: FBI and CSIS” reveals the extent of a cyber-espionage operation conducted by a Chinese-backed hacker group known as Flax Typhoon. 

This attack highlights the growing threat of cyber warfare and its potential to destabilize critical infrastructure worldwide.

According to the report, Flax Typhoon, a hacker group working under the direction of the Chinese government, operated a botnet that infected over 260,000 devices in nearly 20 countries, including 9,200 devices based in Canada. 

The group used these compromised devices to hack into government, university, and critical infrastructure networks, stealing sensitive data and causing significant disruption.

The FBI, through a court-approved operation, took control of the botnet in mid-September and disabled the malware infecting these devices. 

Despite this victory, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that Flax Typhoon had already inflicted "real harm" on its victims and that the threat from China’s cyber operations is far from over.

This attack represents a sophisticated form of cyber-espionage, in which seemingly ordinary devices like routers, cameras, and storage systems are turned into tools for large-scale infiltration. 

The use of botnets allows state-backed actors like Flax Typhoon to hide their tracks and appear as normal internet traffic while they infiltrate sensitive systems.

To provide some background, this incident is part of a broader pattern of Chinese cyber-espionage activity that has increasingly targeted countries like Canada. 

China’s interest in infiltrating critical infrastructure and government networks has grown over the years as its global ambitions expand. 

Flax Typhoon is just the latest example of a sophisticated cyber operation designed to disrupt, steal data, and potentially gain control over critical systems.

For context, China’s history of using cyber-espionage as a foreign policy tool is well-documented. 

This approach has included not only botnets but also more direct cyberattacks on governments and corporations, particularly in sectors related to defense, research, and technology.

The article also provides insights from key figures, including Caroline Xavier, head of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s cyber-defense agency. 

She described China as a “persistent” and “assertive” threat actor, warning that the country’s cyber tactics have become more aggressive in recent years. 

FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed these sentiments, cautioning that the Chinese government, through groups like Flax Typhoon, will continue to target critical infrastructure, using their proxies and sophisticated cyber tools.

From my experience in the Canadian Intelligence Community, what stands out here is the multi-layered nature of this threat. 

These operations are not just about stealing data but also positioning themselves for potential future disruptions. 

The ability to hijack devices across multiple countries allows state actors like China to collect massive amounts of data and wreak havoc on essential services if they choose to escalate.

The dismantling of Flax Typhoon’s botnet may be a victory for cyber-defense, but it is clear that the battle against Chinese-backed cyber-espionage is far from over. 

Canada, along with its allies, will need to increase their efforts against the growing threat posed by sophisticated hacking groups that are willing to target critical infrastructure and government networks.

MUSIC

Continuing our focus on cyber espionage and state sponsored cyber-attacks, our next story demonstrates the tight-knit relationships between cybercrime and state intelligence. 

The article we’ll be discussing is titled “Russia’s FSB protected Evil Corp gang that carried out NATO cyber-attacks”. 

This piece reveals how a notorious Russian cybercriminal gang called Evil Corp used its connections with the FSB, Russia's domestic spy agency, to avoid U.S. sanctions and prosecution.

The article details how the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered the close relationship between Evil Corp and Russian intelligence. 

According to the report, this cybercriminal group not only carried out ransomware attacks but also engaged in espionage against NATO countries, acting at the behest of Russian intelligence. 

What’s particularly striking is the protection the group received from the Russian state. 

After several of its members were indicted by U.S. authorities in 2019, Evil Corp turned to its leader's father-in-law, Eduard Benderskiy, a former high-ranking FSB official, for protection.

This relationship represents more than just a criminal group receiving protection; it points to a deeper strategic alliance between Russia’s state agencies and its cybercriminal networks. 

This gives Russia plausible deniability when engaging in cyber-espionage and cyber-warfare, allowing them to blur the lines between state-sponsored actions and criminal activities.

To provide some context, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen the blending of state and cybercriminal operations. 

Russia, in particular, has a history of leveraging cyber gangs for its intelligence and military operations. 

One of the most infamous examples is the NotPetya cyber-attack in 2017, where Russian hackers disguised ransomware as a criminal enterprise when in reality, the attack targeted Ukrainian infrastructure as part of a broader geopolitical strategy.

The Evil Corp case further highlights this trend. The group carried out attacks not only to extort money but also to gather intelligence on behalf of the Russian state, attacking NATO countries and critical infrastructure. 

Such actions demonstrate how cybercriminals can be used as proxy actors in cyber-warfare, aligning their goals with state interests while remaining under the guise of independent actors.

The article also includes insights from the National Crime Agency, which described Evil Corp as a “family-centered operation” akin to traditional organized crime groups. However, what distinguishes them from typical gangs is their access to state protection. 

The NCA’s revelations about Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, the right-hand man of Evil Corp’s leader, Maksim Yakubets, also shed light on the evolving nature of these criminal enterprises. 

Ryzhenkov’s ties with LockBit, another notorious ransomware group, suggest that these cybercriminals are branching out and collaborating with other gangs to extend their reach.

From my professional perspective, the key takeaway here is the strategic use of criminal actors to carry out espionage and cyber-attacks while maintaining plausible deniability. 

The cooperation between criminal networks and state intelligence agencies significantly complicates efforts by Western governments to combat these threats.

The relationship between Russia’s FSB and the Evil Corp cybercriminal gang is a prime example of how modern espionage has evolved to include state-sponsored cybercrime.

With the ability to carry out attacks against NATO countries while enjoying protection from Russian authorities, groups like Evil Corp pose a serious threat to global cybersecurity and geopolitical stability.

As we continue to see cybercrime evolve, it’s clear that these criminal organizations are more than just financial threats—they are essential tools for nation-states in the realm of cyber-espionage and warfare. 


MUSIC

For this week’s final story, we move onto the continuing conflict in Israel, where we’re covering the tragic and alarming news of a deadly shooting and knife attack that took place in Jaffa, Israel, which left six dead and 10 wounded. 

The attack unfolded just minutes before Iran launched a massive missile strike on Israel. 

We’ll be analyzing the events, the broader context of tensions in the region, and what this means from an intelligence and security standpoint. Let’s dive into it.

The attack in Jaffa was both brutal and horrifying. 

Two men, reportedly armed with an assault rifle and a knife, opened fire and stabbed people near a light-rail stop and in the surrounding streets. 

The attackers targeted both passersby and train passengers, leaving a trail of devastation. 

According to reports, they shot and stabbed people on the Tel Aviv light rail before continuing their assault on foot.

This kind of attack raises several critical issues from a security perspective. 

First, the coordination between a knife and shooting spree in a public place poses a major challenge to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. 

Public transportation systems and crowded urban areas remain soft targets for terrorists, and the attackers in this case used those vulnerabilities to maximize casualties.

What makes this attack particularly concerning is the timing—occurring just before Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel. 

This raises the question of whether there was a connection or coordination between the two events, a potential intelligence gap that will need to be scrutinized.

Jaffa, where this attack occurred, is a historic and diverse city adjacent to Tel Aviv, often considered a symbol of coexistence between Jews and Arabs. 

However, it has not been immune to the violent spillover of regional tensions. 

This attack is part of a disturbing trend of escalating violence in Israel since October, with a marked increase in terrorist activities targeting civilians in the central regions.

The broader context includes the high tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Israel has been on high alert during the Jewish high holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are often seen as moments of heightened vulnerability. 

With Israel on edge, the simultaneous missile attack from Iran has only added to the tension, making the country’s security landscape even more precarious.

What we’re seeing here reflects the larger geopolitical conflicts in the region. 

Iran has long been accused of supporting proxy groups that operate against Israel, and this attack, whether connected to the missile strikes or not, highlights the fragility of the current situation. 

Intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet, will now need to investigate whether there was any direct coordination or whether this was a case of opportunistic timing by local militants.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, with some initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks. 

One civilian, who was on the Tel Aviv light rail, recounted hearing gunshots and seeing people bleeding on the ground. 

Another witness, a shop owner, locked his shutters as people ran in fear, shouting “terror attack.”

The attack in Jaffa is another grim reminder of the persistent and evolving threats facing Israel. 

The attackers exploited the vulnerabilities of public spaces, and their timing—so close to Iran’s missile strikes—raises important questions about coordination and intelligence gaps. 

The broader context of escalating violence, not only in Israel but across the region, suggests that tensions are unlikely to de-escalate anytime soon.

Looking ahead, we may see increased security measures in Israeli cities and potentially more aggressive counterterrorism efforts. 

The question of Iranian involvement, directly or indirectly, will be a critical focus for intelligence agencies. 

For now, Israel’s security forces will have to remain vigilant as they face a growing number of threats, both within their borders and beyond.

Well, that’s going to do it for this week. 

Thank you for listening to this week’s episode and I hope you got something out it. 

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A reminder that all links to the articles discussed and analysed in this podcast are available in the show notes. 

Until next week, stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe. 

MUSIC

OUTRO:

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up! Delivering expert analysis on the biggest intelligence issues worldwide takes hard work, but we hope today’s episode left you more informed, more aware, and ready to tackle what’s next!

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STORY 1: Ex-spy and daughter will not give evidence in court
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0erdydx0go

Story 2: Salad bar extremism’ has come to Canada, intelligence report says
Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10776427/salad-bar-extremism-canada-intelligence-report/

Story 3: Former parliamentarian worked on behalf of foreign government to influence Parliament: CSIS
Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/foreign-interference-csis-1.7336005

Story 4: Hezbollah in ‘disarray’ after leader’s death. What does it mean for Canada?
Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10784628/hezbollah-leaders-death-what-does-it-mean-for-canada/

Story 5: China-backed hacker hijacked 9,200 Canadian devices to operate illegal hacking network: FBI and CSIS
Link: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/china-backed-hacker-hijacked-9200-canadian-devices-to-operate-illegal-hacking-network-fbi-and-csis

Story 6: Russia’s FSB protected Evil Corp gang that carried out NATO cyber-attacks
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/01/russian-gang-evil-corp-nato-cyber-attacks-protection-fsb-sanctions

Story 7: Six killed and 10 wounded in shooting and knife attack in Israeli city of Jaffa
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/01/shooting-knife-attack-israeli-seaside-city-of-jaffa