IS gets more tech-savvy, opens ‘helpdesk’ for militants to evade tracking

It instructs terrorists on how to evade electronic surveillance and prevent them from committing security mistakes.

The Islamic State (IS) has reportedly opened a new technical “helpdesk” that instructs terrorists on how to evade electronic surveillance and prevent them from committing security mistakes that could endanger their lives.

The Electronic Horizon Foundation (EHF) was launched on January 30 as a joint effort of several of the top IS cyber security experts, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) said in a new report.

‘New level’ services

While researchers have previously uncovered an IS “helpdesk” and 34-page manual that help extremists encrypt their communications, MEMRI said the EHF takes these services to a new level.

“Jihadis have long sought technical information, which has been confined in the past to various password-protected jihadi forums,” The Hill quoted the MEMRI report as saying.

The ease with which they get it

“However, the freedom and ease by which they can now obtain that information is alarming, especially when such information is shared over private and secure channels,” it said.

The EHF operates on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram but also maintains a Twitter account that disseminates information and directs followers to its secure Telegram channel, the report said.

In keeping with their goal

The group’s self-stated goal is clear, “Spreading security and technical awareness among the monotheists.”

According to an announcement celebrating the EHF launch, the IS has spent a year establishing the group with the goal of “unifying the technical and security efforts, and uniting the ranks” of the jihadists.

It brings together several technical support entities, such as the Information Security channel on Telegram and the “Islamic State Technician,” an IS security specialist thought to be behind a leading password-protected technical forum.

Pledge to give resources to jihadists

EHF has pledged to provide resources to help jihadists combat this surveillance.

“It is time to face the electronic surveillance, educate the mujahideen about the dangers of the Internet, and support them with the tools, directives and security explanations to protect their electronic security, so that they don’t commit security mistakes that can lead to their bombardment and killing,” the announcement said.