ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 20, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 20, 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

• Laser Incidents Skyrocket in New Jersey, FAA Issues Drone Ban
• Johannesburg Continues to Experience Water Outages
• Liberian Parliament Catches Fire on Second Day of Protests

Laser Incidents Skyrocket in New Jersey, FAA Issues Drone Ban

A significant rise in laser incidents has been reported by pilots in New Jersey—nearly 300 percent more than last year. Shining lasers at aircraft is a federal offense that poses serious safety risks, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strongly urged people not to point lasers at planes. Meanwhile, the FBI received tips on more than 5,000 reported drone sightings in the last few weeks, generating approximately 100 leads. The federal government is actively supporting state and local authorities in investigating these reports. The FAA has implemented a temporary 30-day ban on drone flights over 22 utility sites in New Jersey, following requests from federal security agencies. Additionally, the FAA plans to impose similar restrictions on drone operations over critical infrastructure in New York, as confirmed by the state's governor.

Johannesburg Continues to Experience Water Outages

Some parts of Johannesburg (South Africa), as well as many areas in the larger Gauteng Province, continue to experience water outages following planned Rand Water maintenance from December 13 to 16. Officials stated the maintenance was reportedly scheduled during a time where the city has less traffic flow before the holiday season. The maintenance was reportedly carried out to fix infrastructure leaks and reduce the city's annual water losses, which currently stand at 40 percent.

Liberian Parliament Catches Fire on Second Day of Protests

The Liberian Parliament building caught fire on December 18, 2024, likely in relation to protests against attempts to remove the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, is accused of bribery by a majority of members of parliaments (MP), but not the 2/3 majority required by law. This has created an impasse, as the removal bloc cannot force their priority, but are able to block any other action. A recent Supreme Court decision that went against the Speaker has not materially changed the situation, other than serving as fuel for protests to support him.