ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - Nov 2, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - Nov 2, 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

• U.S. Sanctions Chinese Suppliers Aiding Russian Military
• Russia and North Korea Sign Agreement To Cooperate in Technology Sector
• China Holds First Dual Aircraft Carrier Drills in South China Sea

U.S. Sanctions Chinese Suppliers Aiding Russian Military

The U.S. Commerce Department added 40 companies and research institutions to a trade restriction list over their alleged support of the Russian military. The targeted entities include companies in China to support Russia's chemical and biological weapons programs, drone production, and U.S. aircraft components. The sanctions list also includes entities in countries that work with the United States, such as India, Finland, and Switzerland. The Commerce Department has aggressively used export controls to target Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, and the recent actions indicate its targeting list has spread as Russia has shown an ability to still obtain prohibited technology.

Russia and North Korea Sign Agreement To Cooperate in Technology Sector

Russia and North Korea have signed an agreement on cooperation in the IT and telecommunications spheres. The deal was concluded between Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media and North Korea's Ministry of Information Industry. This agreement will likely lead to increased technology sharing between the two countries and could pose new cybersecurity risks to companies based both in Asia and the West.

China Holds First Dual Aircraft Carrier Drills in South China Sea

China has reportedly conducted its first military drills with two operational aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, in the disputed South China Sea. The drills were intended to enhance the combat capability of the aircraft information system. China did not specify when and where the military exercises took place, but video footage showed the drills were held in an area of the South China Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. The drills show how China could conduct large-scale Taiwan blockade exercises. China in recent years has ramped up the expansion of its naval forces to increase its influence in the Pacific, angering its neighbors who claim the same waters in the South China Sea and East China Sea.