China Alert from the FBI

October 10, 2020

DarkCyber noted “New FBI Film Warns about China’s Recruitment of US Officials.” The DarkCyber research team has not viewed this video. We did note this statement in the article about the video:

FBI Director Christopher Wray and other officials have said that China’s goal of becoming the world’s top technology provider is fueling Beijing’s aggressive techniques to get as much information on technologies from around the world as possible. “Social media deception continues to be a popular technique for foreign intelligence services and other hostile actors to glean valuable information from unsuspecting Americans,” NCSC Director William Evanina said in a statement. “Through this movie and other resources, we hope to raise awareness among Americans so they can guard against online approaches from unknown parties that could put them, their organization, and even national security at risk.”

Data generated by social media provides one skilled in certain arts to:

  • Identify individuals who may be susceptible to pressure or payoffs
  • Provide hints about an individual’s weaknesses or pressure points
  • Pinpoint activities, including destinations, so that person contact can be initiated.

The cavalier dismissal of social media like TikTok as no big deal is not warranted. The FBI’s concern is understandable. If anything, enforcement agencies should have been more aggressive. The film is a useful first step, but more communication about the risks certain countries pose to the security of US businesses and governmental agencies is needed.

Stephen E Arnold, October 8, 2020

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