ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 14, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 14, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• French Security Experts Warn of Russian Disinformation Campaign
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Accuses PiS Government of Using Pegasus Spyware
• Police Deploy Teargas to Deter Protesting Indian Farmers

French Security Experts Warn of Russian Disinformation Campaign

On February 12, a French anti-disinformation agency announced that it had uncovered a large-scale Russian effort aimed at manipulating public opinion in Western Europe. The influence operation has been code-named ‘Portal Kombat’ and allegedly consists of 193 seemingly independent websites that are covertly run by a single unnamed Russian organization. This network routinely spreads deceptive or false pro-Kremlin news stories, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. In addition, French authorities claim that ‘Portal Kombat’ is preparing to launch a large disinformation campaign in the run-up to the European Union (EU) parliamentary elections in June 2024. This operation appears to have two main goals: to promote right-wing politicians sympathetic to the Russian government, and undermine public support for continuing military and financial assistance to Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Accuses PiS Government of Using Pegasus Spyware

On February 13, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced he uncovered documents that showed the previous Law and Order (PiS) government employed Pegasus spyware to target political opponents. Tusk made these comments during a joint press briefing with President Andrzej Duda, who is a longterm PiS ally. Tusk's announcement, seemingly designed to catch Duda off guard, highlights the ongoing power struggle between Tusk and Duda. Pegasus spyware is a commercially available spyware, developed by Israel's NSO Group, that provides operators access to a target's mobile device.

Police Deploy Teargas to Deter Protesting Indian Farmers

On February 13, thousands of farmers marching on India’s capital to demand minimum crop prices clashed with police attempting to prevent their entry into the city. Police erected barricades along the Punjab-Haryana state border and fired teargas at protesters, some of whom used tractors to clear away obstacles. Where barricades could not be removed, protesters attempted to cut through the countryside. At least one police representative stated that protesters on foot or traveling by car or bus would be allowed through, but tractors would be blocked. Protesters will likely continue attempts to break through barricades in the coming days.