ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 10, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 10, 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

• Stocks, Dollar, and Bitcoin Skyrocket After Trump’s Win
• Russia Suspected of Sending Incendiary Devices via Cargo Shippers
• U.S. Drone Maker Responds with Battery Rationing After China’s Sanction

Stocks, Dollar, and Bitcoin Skyrocket After Trump’s Win

Former President Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. In his victory speech in West Palm Beach, Trump thanked the American citizens and vowed to fight for a prosperous and secure future for the country. Following the election, U.S. stock markets reached record highs, the dollar experienced its largest gain in eight years, and Bitcoin hit a new all-time high, buoyed by Trump's commitment to support cryptocurrency. In the days leading up to the elections, the United States saw a wide range of cyber and physical threats ranging from mis/disinformation, hacktivism, and election interference to bomb threats involving election venues; while ballot boxes were set on fire in Portland (Oregon) and Vancouver (Washington). The FBI detected the bomb threats, which targeted polling locations across several states. Many threats seemingly traced back to Russian email domains, though none have been deemed credible.

Russia Suspected of Sending Incendiary Devices via Cargo Shippers

Western intelligence officials reportedly suspect Russia had planted incendiary devices in two packages shipped by DHL that caught fire in Leipzig (Germany) and Birmingham (the United Kingdom) in July. Officials believe the incidents were part of a covert Russian operation that "ultimately aimed to start fires aboard cargo or passenger aircraft flying to the United States and Canada." These reports come after months of speculation that the July incidents were connected to Russia, and seemingly confirmed officials have attributed the attacks to Russia. When asked about the alleged Russian plot, a U.S. government official reportedly said, “at this time, there is no current active threat targeting U.S.-bound flights.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called these reports “unintelligible hoaxes which are never supported by any credible information.”

U.S. Drone Maker Responds with Battery Rationing After China’s Sanction

Skydio, the United State’s largest drone manufacturer, said it was facing a battery shortage after being sanctioned by China for selling drones to Taiwan. Skydio said it has some surplus batteries, but its manufacturing supply chain will be impacted for months while it sources non-Chinese-made batteries. The company, which provides drones to Ukraine’s military and Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, manufactures its products in the United States but sources batteries from China. As a result of the sanctions, which banned Chinese companies from doing business with Skydio from October 10, 2024, Skydio's customers will be limited to one battery per drone. The sanctions were reportedly China’s retaliatory measures against the U.S. government’s announcement that it would provide additional military assistance for Taiwan. The United States sanctioned one of Skydio's primary Chinese competitors a few days after the initial sanctions went into place in mid-October. The issue highlights broader concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities in the technology industry due to its dependence on China for key components and China's dominance of the battery industry. China could use this dominance to limit U.S. companies that rely on Chinese parts going forward.