[ISN] Possible Indicators of Al-Qaeda Surveillance

From: InfoSec News (isnat_private)
Date: Thu Mar 27 2003 - 01:49:36 PST

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    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 13:02:05 -0500
    From: stephfa <stephfaat_private>
    To: stephfaat_private
    Subject: POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF AL-QAEDA SURVEILLANCE
    
    Dear Friends and Colleagues:
    
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued the following
    information on possible indicators of Al-Qaeda surveillance.  It is
    provided for information only.
    
    Al-Qaeda operations have been characterized by meticulous planning, a
    focus on inflicting mass casualties, and multiple, simultaneous
    suicide attacks.  Operatives are highly trained in basic and
    sophisticated surveillance techniques, posing challenges for
    counterterrorism and security forces in identifying terrorist
    surveillance.  Recent information and analysis point to surveillance
    practices that traditionally have been utilized by
    Al-Qaeda-affliliated operatives. While not exhaustive, the following
    list suggests possible indicators of terrorist surveillance:
    
    * Unusual or prolonged interest in security measures or personnel, 
      entry points and access controls, or perimeter barriers such as 
      fences or walls.
    
    * Unusual behavior such as starting or quickly looking away from
      personnel or vehicles entering or leaving designated facilities or
      parking areas.
    
    * Observation of security reaction drills or procedures.
    
    * Increase in anonymous telephone or e-mail threats to facilities in
      conjunction with suspected surveillance incidents-indicating 
      possible surveillance of threat reaction procedures.
    
    * Foot surveillance involving two or three individuals working 
      together.
    
    * Mobile surveillance using bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cars,
      trucks, sport utility vehicles, boats, or small aircraft.
    
    * Prolonged static surveillance using operatives disguised as
      panhandlers, demonstrators, shoe shiners, food or flower vendors, 
      news agents, or street sweepers not previously seen in the area.
    
    * Discreet use of still cameras, video recorders or note taking at
      non-tourist type locations.
    
    * Use of multiple sets of clothing, identifications, or the use of
      sketching materials (paper, pencils, etc.).
    
    * Questioning of security or facility personnel.
    
    General information on possible terrorist planning activities
    proceeding an attack can be found at www.dhs.gov .
    
    DHS encourages individuals to report information concerning such
    suspicious activity to their local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force
    (JTTF) office, DHS, or to other appropriate authorities. Individuals
    can reach the DHS (NIPC) WATCH AND WARNING UNIT at (202) 323-3205,
    toll free at 1-888-585-9078, or by email to nipc.watchat_private
    
    
    
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