Darknet Diaries
50: Operation Glowing Symphony
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The episode details the violent takeover of Mosul by ISIS, highlighting its historical context and significance.
- Operation Inherent Resolve was initiated by the US to counter the ISIS threat through military intervention.
- The establishment of US Cyber Command allowed for a shift from intelligence gathering to offensive cyber operations against ISIS.
- Operation Glowing Symphony effectively disrupted ISIS's media operations, showcasing the impact of cyber warfare.
- The story illustrates the ongoing evolution of warfare and the necessity of adapting military strategies to combat emerging threats in cyberspace.
Summary
The Rise of ISIS and the Context of Mosul
The episode begins with a warning about the graphic content related to violence as it explores the violent takeover of Mosul by ISIS in June 2014. The podcast highlights the historical significance of Mosul, noting it has been inhabited since 2000 BC. The rapid takeover by ISIS is depicted as a transformative moment where the city fell into chaos, leading to the deaths and displacement of thousands. This takeover led to the declaration of a caliphate, marking ISIS's emergence as a notorious entity on the world stage.
Operation Inherent Resolve
In response to the rising threat of ISIS, Operation Inherent Resolve was launched by the US military in 2014. The podcast outlines its multi-faceted approach, including airstrikes and coordinating efforts to regain control of cities like Mosul. A Navy captain provides insights into the military's strategic operations, revealing the complexities faced by ground forces when combating an increasingly influential militant group.
The Formation of Cyber Command and Operation Glowing Symphony
The narrative shifts to a more secretive domain within the military, focusing on the development of US Cyber Command and the establishment of Operation Glowing Symphony in 2016. The discussion emphasizes the transition from listening and gathering intelligence on ISIS to actively engaging in offensive cyber operations intended to disrupt ISIS's online infrastructure and media.
Execution and Challenges of Operation Glowing Symphony
Listeners hear from a mission commander who details the operational strategy and execution of Glowing Symphony. The plan involved infiltrating and dismantling ISIS's media networks, disrupting their operations significantly. As successes mounted, unforeseen challenges, such as security measures from ISIS could frustrate efforts. Despite risks, the mission led to establishing a considerable foothold against ISIS's cyber capabilities.
Legacy and Impact of Cyber Warfare
The episode concludes by reflecting on the effective outcomes of Operation Glowing Symphony, including a marked decrease in ISIS's propaganda and operational capabilities. The podcast underscores the evolution of warfare, where cyberspace becomes a battleground, necessitating new tactics and approaches by military forces to adapt to modern threats.
Sponsors
- Vanta · Whether you're starting or scaling your company's security program, demonstrating top-notch security practices and establishing trust is more important than ever. Vanta automates compliance for SOC 2 ISO 2701 and more saving you time and money while helping you build customer trust.
Show notes
Operation Inherent Resolve was started in 2016 which aimed to combat ISIS. It was a combined joint task force lead by the US military. Operation Inherent Resolve sent troops, ships, and air strikes to Iraq and Syria to fire weapons upon ISIS military. It’s widely known that US military engaged with ISIS in this way. But what you may not have heard, is the story of how the US military also combated ISIS over the Internet. This is the story of how the US hacked ISIS.
Sponsors
This episode was sponsored by Linode. Linode supplies you with virtual servers. Visit linode.com/darknet and when signing up with a new account use code darknet2019 to get a $20 credit on your next project.
Support for this episode comes from Honeybook. HoneyBook is an online business management tool that organizes your client communications, bookings, contracts, and invoices – all in one place. Visit [honeybook.com/darknet] to get 50% off your subscription.
Support for this episode comes from Check Point. Check Point makes firewalls and security appliances you can use to combat the latest generation of cyber attacks. Upgrade your cybersecurity at CheckPoint.com
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