Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin on Sunday concerning the U.S. direct involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
While there are no specific credible threats against the United States, the bulletin addresses a heightened threat environment.
“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” Noem said. “The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and anti-Semitic hate crimes.”
The Iranian Government has condemned the U.S. involvement in the conflict, and this could motivate violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators seeking to attack targets.
The Department of Homeland Security expects that low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely. It believes cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against U.S. networks.
If Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the United States, the likelihood of violent extremists independently mobilizing likely would increase.
The public should report suspicious activity or threats of violence to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices or a local Fusion Center.
The bulletin expires on Sept. 22.