|
Biweekly Homeland Security Insights for a Safer New Jersey |
|
NJOHSP 2024 Map Tracks Arrests and Trends in Homegrown Violent Extremism
 NJOHSP has compiled its annual Homegrown Violent Extremist (HVE) Map, which details information and charting for HVE arrests in 2024. HVEs are individuals inspired – as opposed to directed – by a foreign terrorist organization and radicalized in the countries in which they are born, raised, or reside.
In 2024, HVEs conducted seven instances of material support, two plots, and one threat. HVEs did not successfully conduct an attack last year. In the Tri-State area, authorities arrested three HVEs who individually supported ISIS, HAMAS, and Hizballah. The map displays the locations of all 10 incidents and provides information on the individuals who were arrested, age trends from the last five years, and highlights “HVE Activity” and “HVE Group Influence.”
|
|
NJCCIC: Beware of Compromised Government Email Accounts
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) recently observed phishing activity associated with several compromised government email accounts. Legitimate accounts increase the likelihood of launching additional successful attacks, as the messages appear to come from someone with whom the recipient has previously communicated. By offering threat actors the same trust, they may be more likely to bypass safeguards, making it more difficult for email security tools to flag the activity as malicious. Phishing emails sent from compromised accounts can be used to access sensitive information, request payment, or harvest additional credentials.
The NJCCIC recommends that users refrain from clicking links or opening attachments delivered in suspicious emails and only use account credentials on official websites. Organizations that identify compromised accounts on their networks are advised to lock the accounts, identify malicious emails sent during the compromise, and notify recipients immediately. Email account compromises typically precede ransomware infections. Recovering these accounts should also include analyzing suspicious activity that may indicate a broader network compromise.
For more information, view the NJCCIC’s latest alerts and advisories.
|
|
|
Recent News
NJOHSP Celebrates a Decade of Cyber Defense Excellence Through the NJCCIC
|
|
 NJOHSP recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the NJCCIC, marking a decade of achievements in safeguarding the Garden State’s digital infrastructure.
Established on May 20, 2015, the NJCCIC became the nation’s first state-level organization dedicated solely to cybersecurity information sharing and analysis. Its creation was a proactive response to the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting New Jersey's residents, businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. The concept was born out of lessons learned during Super Bowl XLVIII, hosted at MetLife Stadium in 2014, which highlighted the urgent need for coordinated, statewide cybersecurity capability. That experience underscored the importance of integrating cyber threat intelligence, response coordination, and communication across both public and private sectors.
Over the past decade, the NJCCIC has grown into a nationally recognized model for state-level cybersecurity, providing real-time threat intelligence, incident response support, and best practices to entities across New Jersey and beyond.
Check out the full press release for details on the NJCCIC's milestones. For more information about services or to become a member, visit the NJCCIC's website.
NJOHSP to Kick Off Annual Summer Safety Campaign
As the unofficial start of summer approaches with Memorial Day weekend, NJOHSP is encouraging vigilance among residents and visitors enjoying New Jersey’s beaches, boardwalks, and shore attractions this summer as part of its annual "Secure the Shore" initiative. With these popular destinations considered potential "soft targets" for threat actors, the public is urged to stay alert and report any unusual or suspicious activity.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, NJOHSP coordinates enhanced security efforts with local, county, State, and federal law enforcement across Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. These efforts include increased patrols, targeted outreach, and public awareness of the "See Something, Say Something" campaign to support a safe summer season along the Jersey Shore.
|
|
|
Upcoming Training Programs
|
|
NJOHSP-Coordinated Training
All NJOHSP-coordinated training courses are posted on the NJOHSP State Training Calendar. The calendar provides a course description, training location, target audience, and point of contact.
|
|
Investigator 3, Law and Public Safety |
|
NJOHSP has an opening for a full-time Investigator 3, Law and Public Safety position assigned to its Operations Bureau within the Intelligence and Operations Division. The selected candidate will be assigned to the Counterintelligence Unit and, among other duties, will conduct investigative work supporting criminal investigations related to national security threats and critical infrastructure; review and analyze documents in support of investigative work and prepare findings in a clear and concise manner; research and investigate foreign influence activities, economic interference, disinformation campaigns, insider threats, and domestic and non-state actor threats; and prepare and provide defensive briefings on the national security threat landscape to State, county, and local partners. To apply, view NJOHSP's careers web page.
|
|
|
Counter-Threat Watch Specialist
NJOHSP invites talented individuals to apply for a Counter-Threat Watch Specialist position in its Intelligence Management Bureau and make a meaningful impact across New Jersey in homeland security. Join our team and help to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the Garden State. Requirements include a background in law enforcement/criminal justice, intelligence, or homeland security, as the job requires a basic understanding of the current threat environment. The position also requires strong writing and computer skills, the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects in collaboration with various NJOHSP staff, the ability to adapt to a fluctuating workload, and the ability to work with individuals of all backgrounds. To apply, view NJOHSP's careers web page.
|
|
Contact Information
For more information or to share feedback, please contact the Communications Bureau at communications@njohsp.gov.
The NJ Security Spotlight is a biweekly newsletter of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and is intended to provide constituents with important agency updates, publications, and announcements.
Please visit njohsp.gov/connect/nj-security-spotlight to read previous newsletters.
Report Threat-Related Suspicious Activity
Call 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or email tips@njohsp.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
