AFCEA International Chapter News
ALAMO CHAPTER CHAPTER - Mar 20, 2018

Cyber Threats Facing the FBI

The recent mail package bombings in the capital of Texas are a reminder of the criminal tactics people will use. During the chapter's March luncheon, FBI agent Raymond Martinez said a key setback in any scenario is the timeliness of information. Martinez is assigned to the San Antonio field office in the Cyber Squad. The cyber threats within the FBI are criminal, hactivism, espionage and terrorism, and they are state-sponsored, with the most hits in criminal and hactivism. With the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT), devices bring additional security measures that must be put into place. "There are already too many cyber variables," Martinez explained. There are more than 73,000 locations with unsecured cameras in 256 countries. "There may be new tactics, but the methodology is the same. The target is people." He specified that only amateurs attack machines; professionals target people. And hackers don't discriminate. Small to medium businesses are 71 percent of the breaches targeted. Most of those small businesses will go out of business within six months of a data breach. "You have to watch for internal signs and have procedures in place," he offered. Email scams and direct and indirect targeting through social media assist in making up the bulk of breaches. So, what can be done to protect U.S. businesses and assets? That is where cyber defense comes in. Martinez advises using passphrases rather than passwords and two-factor authentication to decrease vulnerability throughout the network.

Event Photographs:

FBI agent Raymond Martinez of the San Antonio Cyber Squad talks to members and attendees about cyber threats during the chapter's March luncheon.
FBI agent Raymond Martinez of the San Antonio Cyber Squad talks to members and attendees about cyber threats during the chapter's March luncheon.
Martinez takes questions during the March event, part of the chapter's series called
Martinez takes questions during the March event, part of the chapter's series called "Lunch. Learn. Network."
During the chapter's March luncheon, Warriors Heart co-founder Lisa Lannon, with CEO and co-founder Josh Lannon (c) and Staff Sgt. Christian Bagge, USA (Ret.), presents a handmade wooden flag as a token of appreciation for the chapter's $10,000 donation. Bagge, a Purple Heart recipient and Warriors Heart alumni, made the flag. Warriors Heart is a nonprofit center for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and chemical dependency in active-duty service members, veterans and first responders. The donation presented to Warriors Heart is part of the chapter's Wounded Warrior and Military Families Endowment Fund that gives back to the local community.
During the chapter's March luncheon, Warriors Heart co-founder Lisa Lannon, with CEO and co-founder Josh Lannon (c) and Staff Sgt. Christian Bagge, USA (Ret.), presents a handmade wooden flag as a token of appreciation for the chapter's $10,000 donation. Bagge, a Purple Heart recipient and Warriors Heart alumni, made the flag. Warriors Heart is a nonprofit center for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and chemical dependency in active-duty service members, veterans and first responders. The donation presented to Warriors Heart is part of the chapter's Wounded Warrior and Military Families Endowment Fund that gives back to the local community.

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