Episode description

In this special Cyber Focus Brief, Frank Cilluffo and Bob Kolasky discuss the impact of the recent pager and communication device attack in Lebanon, reportedly orchestrated by the Israeli government. The discussion explores the unprecedented scale and complexity of this operation, the sophisticated use of supply chain vulnerabilities, and the psychological and strategic implications for both nation-states and critical infrastructure. The conversation also highlights the importance of supply chain security in the modern era, emphasizing the blending of cyber and physical threats and the need for enhanced defensive measures to protect vital systems.

Main Topics Covered:

• The scale of planning needed for this type of supply chain infiltration
• Psychological impact on adversaries
• Implications for supply chain security
• Blending of cyber and physical threats
• Strategic lessons for governments and businesses
• The importance of trusted suppliers and defensive measures

Key Quotes: 

“When you start seeing something that has potential loss of life and physical consequences, I think maybe people will actually pay some attention to a significant set of issues facing our countries, our societies and obviously our companies.” – Frank Cilluffo

 “I do think it will likely lead to some new applications and tactics, techniques and procedures we may see in the battlefield or even in a civilian battlefield.” – Frank Cilluffo

 “I keep coming to the phrase hybrid, because I don't want to call this a physical or cyber. It's an element of both things…  there's a digital aspect of how the physical attack was done. And so, you know, we're going to get lost if we spend our time debating whether something cyber or not cyber enabled, physical enabled, it's all blended together. – Bob Kolasky

Frank Cilluffo is a leading expert in national security and cybersecurity, having served on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and the Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council. He has advised senior U.S. officials, testified before Congress, and worked closely with NATO and Europol. Following 9/11, Cilluffo was appointed to the Office of Homeland Security by President George W. Bush, where he served as a key advisor on homeland security and counterterrorism strategy.

Bob Kolasky is Senior Vice President for Critical Infrastructure at Exiger, leading efforts to manage third-party and supply chain risks. He previously founded the National Risk Management Center at CISA and held senior roles at DHS, focusing on cybersecurity and infrastructure protection.