German Security at Stake as French-Russian Nuclear Partnership Expands
Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Lower Saxony lies a Lingen factory, now entangled in controversy: 40 uranium shipments approved for transit from Russia’s nuclear giant, Rosatom. The collaboration between Rosatom and France’s state-run Framatome to fuel reactors serving over…
Disinformation, governance and the South African election
By Phumzile van Damme – republished from ISS African Futures How can we safeguard South Africa’s hard-won free and fair elections in the age of disinformation online? Phumzile Van Damme weighs in. On 9 March 2024, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter…
Deepfakin’ Democracy – Identifying Deepfakes
In the wild world of digital content, we’re facing a serious reality check – turns out, we’re pretty terrible at spotting deepfake videos and dodgy audio. Recent research shows that we can only identify deepfakes in videos about half the…
Wagner’s Facebook Scheme: Exploiting Global Desperation for Ukraine’s Warfront
Wagner Group, the infamous Russian private military company, has reignited its recruitment campaign on Facebook, preying on unsuspecting individuals worldwide, to lure them into joining the conflict in Ukraine. The targeted nature of this recruitment drive is clear as the…
US Intelligence Rings Alarm Bells Over Alleged Russian Space Nuke
While the war in Ukraine continues to dominate headlines, a new battleground is emerging – one far above the clouds. General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, issued a stark warning: don’t underestimate Russia’s growing space capabilities. Despite…
NSN Launches ‘Deepfakin’ Democracy’
In 2024, the global political stage is buzzing with anticipation as national elections are either concluded, scheduled or expected in a staggering 64 countries, including the European Union. This collective represents nearly half of the world’s population, making it the…
Fingerprints Exposed: PrintListener Shakes Biometric Security
In a technological revelation, researchers from the University of Colorado and esteemed counterparts in China uncovered a novel method to compromise biometric security measures. Dubbed PrintListener, this cutting-edge technique cleverly reconstructs a person’s fingerprints by analysing the sounds produced during…
Security Concerns Raised Following German Military Leak at Singapore Airshow
Last week, a Russian media source disclosed an audio recording revealing a classified conversation among a group of senior German military officials. The conversation took place while one of the officials, reportedly a brigadier general, was staying at a Singapore…
Celebrating Women Leaders in Security: Linda Zecher, CEO of IronNet
On International Women’s Day, we recognise the incredible contributions of women who are shaping the future of national security. This year, we shine a spotlight on Linda Zecher, the CEO of IronNet, a leader who is revolutionising the fight against…
Ukraine Claims Hack: A Glimpse Inside Russia’s Military Operations
The ongoing war in Ukraine has taken a dramatic turn in the digital realm, with Ukrainian intelligence claiming a major cyberattack on the servers of Russia’s Defence Ministry. This bold move, if confirmed, could be a game-changer, potentially offering Ukraine…
The Rise of Deepfakes in Political Campaigns: Ethics, Manipulation, and AI Uprising
The political arena has become ground zero for an AI (Artificial Intelligence) uprising, with deepfake technology rewriting the rules of the game. From resurrecting dead politicians to shaping the narratives of imprisoned leaders, these digital manipulations are not just unsettling;…
Andrey Klimov: Unmasking the Paradox – Corrupt Politician Hosts Neo-Colonialism Conference
In a twist of irony, Andrey Klimov, a seasoned Russian politician with a shadowy reputation, recently assumed a prominent role in organising the “For the Freedom of Nations” forum in Moscow. The spectacle, hosted by the United Russia party under…
A Mosaic of Disinformation: The Manipulation of Narratives Surrounding Navalny’s Death
Alexei Navalny, hailed as the Kremlin’s most formidable critic, fearlessly exposed corruption entrenched within President Vladimir Putin’s political party, enduring substantial personal sacrifices. From surviving a near-fatal poisoning attempt to imprisonment since 2021, Navalny’s unwavering commitment to exposing political corruption…
Congressional Chaos: The Battle Over $60 Billion for Ukraine Instigated by the ‘Hateful Eight’
Months of Congressional chaos have left U.S. aid to Ukraine paralysed, creating a four-month deadlock in providing essential assistance that it needs to prevent a Russian victory. Now, the U.S. Senate proposed a comprehensive $95 billion aid package, earmarking $60…
Decisive Action on Spyware: Unprecedented Cybersecurity Pact Unveiled at London Conference
In the clandestine realm of cyberspace, where espionage meets the digital frontier, a chilling truth is unveiled. Spyware, touted as a guardian of national security, reveals its sinister side, orchestrating hacking-for-hire campaigns that target civil society, political dissidents, and journalists….
Hostage Family Reveals How They Have Been Unable to Grieve for the Loss of Their Loved One Killed in the Hamas Attacks.
The family of a hostage held by Hamas have told of how they have been unable to grieve for three relatives murdered by the terrorist group. Steve Brisley, who is campaigning to free his brother-in-law Eli Sharabi, also said he…
Exclusive: Senior Research Fellow Martin Plaut on China, Russia and keeping the Red Sea open
The United States and Britain have carried out strikes against targets linked to Houthis in Yemen. It’s the first time strikes have been launched against the Iran-backed group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year. An international…
Profile on Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force.
The CIA assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s notorious Quds Force, in a drone attack in 2020 was designed to send a message to Iran’s most powerful leaders. Washington wanted Tehran’s ruling elite – those religious…
The Two Sides of the Coin: AI in the Wars of the Middle East
The past year’s wars in the Middle East have long been complex and devastating, shaped by a multitude of factors. In recent years, a new player has emerged on the battlefield: artificial intelligence (AI). AI’s role in these conflicts is…
Exclusive: Sir Graeme Lamb Writes on Russia and Iran: An Unwelcome Alliance
The past will not tell you what is about to happen but it can point you in the right direction of what you might expect to unfold, and yet we in the West are so wrapped up in the day-to-day…
Collective Defence is the Best Protection Against Cyber Attacks, says IronNet CEO.
State-sponsored computer hackers are weaponising artificial intelligence to launch cyberattacks against western militaries, governments, and private companies, according to a leading industry chief. Potential targets will need to adopt a form of collective cyber defence to protect themselves from sophisticated…
Google’s AI Platform Goes Quiet: Why Bard won’t answer political questions in 2024
In late 2023, Google announced that its AI large language model, named Bard, will be restricted from answering election-related and many other politically-focussed questions in the run up to the 2024 US elections. Google’s announcement coincided with the UK’s National…
Britain’s Nuclear Revolution: Roadmap Unveiled for Unprecedented Expansion
In an exciting move towards energy independence and a cleaner future, the UK government has published a landmark announcement. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside Great British Nuclear, detailed the UK’s most extensive nuclear power expansion plan…
EXCLUSIVE: NSN speaks with Eric Patterson on the Just War Tradition & Quest for Peace
Today, NSN had the privilege of discussing ‘just war’ with Eric Patterson, President of the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington, DC. Patterson is an expert in two areas: the ethics of war and peace, and religious freedom policy. He has…
UK Government Criticised for Being Unprepared Against Catastrophic Ransomware Attacks
In a scathing report released in December 2023, the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy (JCNSS) issued a stark warning that the United Kingdom is alarmingly unprepared for the looming threat of a catastrophic ransomware attack. Highlighting the nation’s vulnerability…
Iran Spends $16bn Funding Terror Across the Middle East
Ali Khamenei – source Iranian government.
Neighbour’s house is on fire and we are watching it burn
TIMOTHY SNYDER, professor of history at Yale University, writes for VRYE Weekblad, saying the US should not decrease its support for Ukraine. YOU have a good neighbour. He does a lot for you. He keeps the street clean around your…
KSE Sounds Alarm: Loopholes in Export Controls Fuelling Russia’s War Machine
The Kyiv School of Economics’ (KSE) Institute, a Ukrainian think tank, and the Yermak-McFaul Expert Group on Russian Sanctions, an international group of independent experts working on the implementation of sanctions against Russia, have released a new report raising critical…
Navigating France’s National Security Landscape: Who is Gabriel Attal, France’s New Prime Minister?
Gabriel Attal, France’s new Prime Minister and the youngest person to ever hold this position, is not a name typically associated with France’s national security strategy. However, in his current and previous roles (Attal has moved to the premiership from…
Opposing Forces: Corrupt Person of the Year and Prisoner of Conscience in Guatemala’s Narrative
In the heart of Guatemala’s battle against corruption lies a narrative of conflicting forces—where justice and impunity collide. Maria Consuelo Porras, Guatemala’s Attorney General, emerged as an unexpected yet controversial recipient of the 2023 Person of the Year award for…
Europol’s Report Unveils Escalating Online Fraud Threat
Europol’s latest report, dubbed “Online Fraud Schemes: A Web of Deceit,” has sounded an alarm on the intensifying threat of online fraud. This eye-opening report unveils the multifaceted evolution of fraud and the far-reaching impact on both the European Union…
Beijing’s Latest Military Purge and Missing Defence Minister Li Shangfu
In the latest restructuring under a new Defence Minister, China has removed nine senior military officials from its Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. This includes the expulsion of four army generals from the army’s strategic missile unit, marking…
Fears emerge that the assassination of the Hamas leader Salah al Arouri could widen the conflict in the Middle East
The assassination of Hamas’s deputy political leader is a major strategic coup for Israel but his death could be the spark which ignites a wider regional conflict. Saleh al-Arouri was killed in an apparent drone strike on Tuesday in the…
What we know about the Iranian-backed UAV Assault on US Forces in Iraq on Christmas Day
The Pentagon says it successfully carried out retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed terror group Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq on Christmas Day. The precision strikes came just hours after a self-detonating drone hit the US Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq wounding…
UK’s Quest for Underwater Defence
In a bid to fortify the nation’s security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), aiming to bolster the United Kingdom’s security measures by acquiring cutting-edge underwater defence capabilities. The RFI outlines a critical need…
EXCLUSIVE: NSN speaks with former CIA expert Nicholas Eftimiades on Beijing’s sights on the Moon and NASA’s race back
NSN discusses China’s intelligence operations and motives in space exploration with author and educator Nicholas Eftimiades, an American government official who served in the CIA, DIA, and US Department of State, best known for his work on China and national…
The Decade-Long Tale: UK’s Role in Russian Trade-Based Money Laundering
The UK’s recurring implication as a facilitator of financial crime is highlighted yet again, as Transparency International Russia delved into Russian criminal cases, uncovering a troubling statistic: approximately one in ten money laundering cases implicated British firms. In their report,…
EXCLUSIVE: NSN speaks with Andrew Yeh on the Dangers of China’s Dominance of Critical Supply Chains
In an exclusive interview, NSN speaks with Andrew Yeh, Deputy Director of the China Strategic Risks Institute (CSRI), about the critical challenges Europe faces in its reliance on Chinese supply chains for its solar energy projects. CSRI researches the strategic…
Deepfakes: A Looming Threat to the Fabric of Democracy
In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, deepfakes have emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to disrupt the very foundations of democracy. These manipulated videos, images, and audio files, created using artificial intelligence (AI), can seamlessly stitch together…
State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks: A 20-Year Evolution and National Security Realities
The past two decades have witnessed an unprecedented evolution in the domain of cybersecurity, with state-sponsored cyber attacks emerging as a critical threat to national security. A milestone incident in 2003, where a state targeted the UK Government in a…
Evolving Strategies: Russia’s Continued Sanctions Evasion Triggers Red Alert and New Sanctions Unit Unveiling
In the cat-and-mouse game of international sanctions, Russia’s persistent and adaptable tactics to evade restrictions have triggered heightened concern, prompting the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) to issue a red alert. In the wake of sanctions imposed on Russia, the…
China’s Uranium Quest and Russian Nuclear Dependency: A Growing Concern for Western National Security
The global race for Uranium concentrate, commonly referred to as U308 has skyrocketed to an unprecedented 15-year high catapulting governments into a desperate bid to secure sources of fuel for power stations. According to André Liebenberg, the CEO of Yellow…
NSN Podcast: Andrew King addresses the existential, generation-defining threat to democracy
This week at National Security News, we launched our weekly podcast, discussing critical national security issues affecting business worldwide, with experts and thought leaders. In our first interview, we spoke with Andrew King, founder of Future Union, about his Intrepid…
“Technology will win the war” – The Strategic Role of Technology in Ukraine’s Defence
In a pivotal meeting held in Kyiv under the leadership of Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, the significance of technology in modern warfare took centre stage. Attended by military representatives from over 30 nations within the IT…
ChatGPT Turns 1: A Year of Disruption and Innovation in the Realm of AI and National Security
The debut of ChatGPT on 30 November 2022, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT quickly captured the world’s attention with its ability to generate human-quality text, translate languages, write different kinds…
EXCLUSIVE: General Petraeus on “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine”
NSN speaks with General Petraeus about his new book, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine” and the critical mistakes we must learn from in order to navigate an increasingly perilous world.
Caught in the Act: Unravelling Tech Espionage – Chinese National Trespassing Raises National Security Concerns
Caught trespassing on SpaceX’s premises on 16 November 2023, Zhaoning Jiang, a Chinese national, claimed innocence, citing casual photo-taking as his motive. However, his intrusion into the grounds has sparked alarm bells about potential tech espionage. SpaceX, renowned for pioneering…
UK’s Cyber Security Agency Publishes First AI Security Guidelines
Lindy Cameron, the Head of the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), recently made a groundbreaking announcement in the tech realm. Unveiling the world’s inaugural set of security guidelines tailor-made for Artificial Intelligence (AI), this move signifies a significant…
MI5 Chief warns of increased Iranian terrorist activity in Britain
Ken McCallum Chief of MI5, at a security summit in the U.S. on Tuesday, 17 October sounded the alarm on the potential for Iranian-backed terror attacks in Britain amid the Israel-Hamas war. His remarks marked the first time Mr. McCallum…
Israel, Hamas Strike Hostage Deal, 200 Individuals Set for Release in Ceasefire Agreement
Israel and Hamas have struck a deal to release hostages, bringing a momentary pause to the ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for 47 days. During a four-day ceasefire, Israel is set to release 150 Palestinian women and teenagers…
Hostage Deal ‘Close’ but Tensions Persist Amid Progress in Talks and Gal Hirsch’s Troubled Stint
In the midst of escalating tensions and a prolonged hostage crisis, recent developments in negotiations have brought both hope and dismay. Reports from the U.S. and Qatar hint at a potential breakthrough in releasing hostages, saying that a deal is…
U.S. General Kurilla to arrive in Israel as fears of an Expanding Regional War Mount
General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command, is due to fly to Israel on Friday and meet with senior-ranking Israeli defence and military officials to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the increasingly tense situation along the…
Britain’s Cyber Security Agency warns of AI Risks to Critical Infrastructure and Elections
“The new front line is online,” a statement by Rt Hon Oliver Dowden resonating louder than ever in the wake of global conflicts such as those in Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine. The evidence of evolving threats is overwhelming—from bots…
Setting the Stage for Ukraine’s Renaissance: The CDAIC and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
National Security News speaks with retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt, CEO of IP3 International, in an exclusive interview into the pivotal role of a new multifaceted campaign – the Collective Defence AI Fusion Center (CDAIC) – for the…
Hamas under spotlight as Israel agrees to four-hour daily pauses
THE UNITED STATES SAID ON THURSDAY that Israel will enforce brief four-hour humanitarian pauses with three-hour’s advance warning in certain parts of northern Gaza so that civilians know when it is safe to relocate. No ceasefire: Israel’s military has stressed…
Caught in the Crossfire: Hostages, Ceasefires, and the Humanitarian Crisis in Israel-Palestine
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions and emotions remain high as it surpasses the one-month mark. The situation is complex, with both sides experiencing hardships and difficulties. Hostages held by Hamas: The fate of the hostages captured…
Ukraine adds Nestle to ‘International Sponsors of War’ List
In a striking move on Friday 2nd November, Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) added Nestle to its list of “international sponsors of war,” for its continued business in Russia. In a press release announcing the decision, they emphasised…
The Ori Megidish Rescue: Disinformation and Denying Truths in Conflict
In the midst of the heated conflict between Israel and Hamas, misinformation and disinformation are playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding a daring rescue operation. On Monday, the world was captivated by a seemingly positive news story…
Russia abandons the ISS to launch its own space station
RUSSIA’S PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN announced on 26 October, plans to launch a Russian orbital station in 2027, which Moscow sees as the next development in space exploration and a challenger to the 25-year old International Space Station.
Yemen’s Houthi Army | Iran’s Proxy Terror Group on standby to join forces with Hamas and Hezbollah
As the three-week-old Hamas- Israel war wages, there is growing concern that the conflict will consume the entire region, drawing in more actors that are hostile to Israel. Death toll and Casualties To date, attacks have killed around 1,400 Israelis,…
Hostage Crisis Update: IDF Reports 233 Kidnapped, Families Plead for Action
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have raised the alarming count of people kidnapped on 7th October to at least 233. As of now, only four hostages have managed to secure their freedom, including an American mother and her daughter, along…
UK to free trapped British Nationals from Gaza Strip
As the rescue mission to free trapped UK nationals from Gaza escalates, the Cabinet Office has reassured citizens that it is working intensively with international counterparts to establish a safe route out of the strip; however, according to government officials,…
Trump Ally Johnson Takes the Speaker Reins: A New Era for Congress and Allies, with Ukraine in the Balance
In the heart of the United States House of Representatives, a remarkable political chapter unfolds. Mike Johnson has been sworn in as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, putting an end to the unprecedented 22-day vacancy since Kevin McCarthy…
Torture and Massacre in Kibbutz Bari – ZAKA Emergency Response and Rescue Chief, Yossi Landau describes Hamas’ brutal attacks
Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find disturbing The Israeli-is NGO conference, which took place on Tuesday 17 October at the Jerusalem Press Club / Mishkenot Sha’ananim Cultural Center, saw live testimonials from ZAKA volunteers who were…
Hamas claims two hostages rejected by Israel: The Unresolved Fate of Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz
After the release of two American hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, from Gaza, Hamas made an announcement regarding the possible release of two more captives, Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz. Hamas cited “compelling humanitarian reasons” as the basis for their…
Hope Shines as Americans Judith and Natalie are Freed from Gaza Captivity
On Friday, October 20, 2023, Israel released two American citizens, Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Raanan, who had been held in Gaza for two weeks. Their release was secured for “humanitarian reasons” through Qatari mediation efforts, as announced by Hamas….
The AI Revolution amidst the Israel-Hamas War
As the onslaught of rockets continued to tear across Israel and Gaza this week, a keynote speech delivered by the US military’s top officer, Admiral Mike Mullen on Tuesday 03 October, days before the Israel-Hamas war broke out could not…
Ukraine Strengthens Infrastructure in Anticipation of Winter Threat from Russia
As of 1 September 2023, data from the Kyiv School of Economics reveals that direct damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure industry caused by Russia has surged to $36.6 billion. In a significant move to safeguard its critical infrastructure and energy facilities…
From Pyongyang to the Frontlines: The Secret Routes of North Korean Munitions
In a startling revelation that spans land and sea, it appears that Russia may have kickstarted a clandestine munitions supply route with North Korea.
What the events of 7 October in Israel demonstrated and what consequences it will have for Ukraine
Ukrainska Pravda writes about the consequences to Ukraine of Hamas’ failed attempt to invade Israel.
Putin Capitalises on Israel-Hamas War
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has said that Russia stands to gain from the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and the attack on Israel could distract allies from the ongoing devastation continuing to unfold in Ukraine.
Gaza Conflict and Pipeline Sabotage – Russia’s Perfect Storm
NSN speaks with Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb about the ties between the Balticconnector shutdown and the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Qatar Funding Hamas Terror Group
Oil rich Qatar widely condemned for sponsoring extremist groups with the intent of destabilising the Middle East, has been identified as having strong ties to Hamas and being one of its key financial backers, having allegedly donated over $1.8 billion so far.
EXCLUSIVE: Revenge, Retribution and Retaliation – Lt Gen Sir Graeme Lamb calls for Israel to “Take a Knee”
In an exclusive interview, NSN delves into the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict with former Director of Special Forces, Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb.
Israel and Gaza Cyber Warfare Intensifies
Against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, virtual soldiers have emerged, as the battle extends into the digital world. Digital warriors, aligned with various cyber groups, are now actively engaged in supporting their chosen sides in…
Tehran’s Role in Fueling Hamas’ Assault on Israel: What We Know So Far
In a shocking and unprecedented move, the Palestinian Islamist Hamas unleashed a massive, multi-fronted onslaught on Israel, hurling thousands of rockets and launching an invasion of gunmen by land, sea, and air. The audacious attack, which occurred on Saturday, saw…
MI5 Is Reviewing the UK Threat Level in the Wake of the Moscow Concert Terror Attack
British intelligence chiefs may raise the United Kingdom threat level in the wake of the Moscow terrorist attacks. A rise in the level from Substantial to Severe, the second highest category, is being considered by the Joint Terrorist Analysis Centre…
South African President Ramaphosa Denies Taking Sides in Gaza War, As His Foreign Minister Accuses Israel of Defying ICJ ruling
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has refuted claims that South Africa is taking sides in the Gaza war and that relations with the United States have soured due to the International Court of Justice case against Israel. The South African…
Thomas-Greenfield Slams China and Russia’s Decision to Block US-Led Resolution on the War in The Middle East
On Friday, the UN Security Council dismissed a new US draft resolution, calling for an “immediate and sustained cease-fire” in Gaza contingent on the release of the remaining hostages being held by Hamas. The failed resolution comes after China and…
Ukraine war: Russia’s Baltic neighbours to create massive border defences as Trump continues undermining Nato
Natasha Lindstaedt, University of Essex via The Conversation With Donald Trump leading in many of the polls for the upcoming US presidential election, his comments about global security and foreign policy have to be taken seriously. In February, Trump flippantly…
TikTok Owners Have Been Warned That They Will Need to Sell the App or Face Being Banned in the US
The owners of TikTok will need to sell the social media platform or face a total ban in the United States, following a landslide vote in the House of Representatives. The move follows a campaign by Congressman Mike Gallagher, the…