Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - November 10, 2026
President Trump and Vice President Vance held separate meetings with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday to discuss efforts to advance negotiations with Iran.
→ On Saturday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar opposition bloc, a mandate to form a governing coalition. He has 28 days to do so, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.
International Affairs
→ On Sunday, Nvidia C.E.O. Jensen Huang acknowledged an extramarital relationship with a woman suspected by U.S. intelligence officials of working for China, prompting an independent investigation by the company’s board.
#InterforInternational #WeeklySecurityDigest #GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics #InternationalAffairs #NationalSecurity #Intelligence #MiddleEast #Israel #Iran
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Reports of a roughly $6.3 billion theft from @binance raise a question that extends far beyond cryptocurrency: How much damage can an attacker do once they gain access through someone your organization trusts?
Preliminary accounts suggest attackers compromised an engineer’s laptop and reached infrastructure used to authorize withdrawals. The full investigation is ongoing, but the reported sequence highlights a critical vulnerability: legitimate access can become a pathway to catastrophic loss.
From my perspective, this is where cybersecurity becomes an enterprise risk and governance issue.
An employee’s device, a vendor’s credentials, or a privileged account can provide access to systems that move money, expose sensitive information, or interrupt operations. Leadership needs to understand how far that access extends and what controls can contain its misuse.
Binance says it has replenished 90% of the affected assets and will cover the remaining losses. That financial commitment matters. Understanding and correcting the failures that enabled the theft matters just as much.
At @InterforInt International LLC, we look at risk across people, processes, and technology. Incidents like this show why those areas need to be examined together.
If one trusted device can become the starting point for a multibillion-dollar loss, leadership needs to know what stands between that first compromise and the next irreversible transaction.
#CyberSecurity #EnterpriseRiskManagement #CorporateGovernance #InsiderThreats #ThirdPartyRisk #CyberRisk #CorporateSecurity #InterforInternational
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Benjamin Kunde, Executive Vice President at Interfor International, explains why a clean background report doesn’t always mean a clean history.
Automated screening can uncover public records. Conversations with former colleagues can reveal risks that never reached a courtroom or database.
In our latest article, Ben explores why human sources and investigative judgment remain essential when evaluating executive hires, acquisitions and allegations of misconduct.
The question isn’t just “What did the search find?” It’s “What could it have missed?”
Read Ben’s article here
interforinternational.com/co…
#CorporateInvestigations #DueDiligence #ExecutiveDueDiligence #BackgroundChecks #HumanIntelligence #RiskManagement #ReputationalRisk #BusinessIntelligence
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Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - November 3, 2026
Middle East
→ On Monday, the U.S. struck targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island in an operation reportedly intended to limit Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, President Trump reportedly claimed on Monday that he was in “no rush” to resume hostilities against Iran.
→ Following Israel’s October 27 elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party won 53 seats, the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot, won 48, and Arab-led parties won 19.
International Affairs
→ On Wednesday, the U.S. and Japan agreed to establish a joint missile production facility in Japan, strengthening defense cooperation amid growing concerns over China's military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
interforinternational.com/in…
#InterforInternational #GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics #MiddleEastSecurity #Israel #Iran #InternationalSecurity #StrategicIntelligence #IndoPacific #SecurityAnalysis
During our recent Interfor International LLC webinar, "When Violence Goes Mainstream," we discussed the importance of conducting threat assessments and understanding what information about executives is publicly available.
What are they sharing on social media?
What are their family members sharing?
Who are the people around them?
Even something as simple as listing your city on LinkedIn provides another piece of information that someone could use to find you.
Understanding an executive's digital footprint and potential vulnerabilities is a critical component of corporate security.
Thank you to Mark Sullivan, Eduardo Jany, and Amelia Powers Gardner for sharing their insights, and Jeremy Hurewitz for moderating the discussion.
@Selllikeaspy @DonAviv @edjany007 @Amelia4Utah
Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - October 27, 2026
Middle East
→ Israelis head to the polls today for national elections. While the opposition is expected to win more votes, Prime Minister Netanyahu could still remain in power if neither side secures a 61-seat majority. Gadi Eisenkot leads the primary opposition parties and has been doing well in the polls.
International Affairs
→ On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in the presidential runoff, receiving 51.79% of the vote
Cyber
→ On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to strengthen national cybersecurity measures following a series of major cyberattacks and personal data breaches affecting Japanese companies.
interforinternational.com/in…
#GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics #Cybersecurity #ThreatIntelligence #PoliticalRisk #MiddleEast #InterforInternational
As today's M&A environment becomes increasingly complex, Interfor Academy is bringing together experts from Goodwin and Novartis for our next webinar, Getting the Deal Done, on November 10th at 12 PM ET.
Technology, cybersecurity #threats, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory challenges are changing how buyers and sellers evaluate transactions. With more information available than ever, identifying the risks that truly matter has become increasingly challenging.
Joining the discussion:
𖧹 Matthew Baudler: Partner, @Goodwin
𖧹 Marc Meunier: Head of Legal, Americas, @Novartis
Moderated by @Selllikeaspy Jeremy Hurewitz, Head of Interfor Academy.
We'll explore what buyers need to understand beyond traditional legal and financial due diligence, how to uncover risks that may not be apparent in the data room, and how companies can make better-informed decisions throughout the deal process.
November 10 | 12 PM ET | Via Zoom
Register here us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…
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Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - October 20, 2026
Middle East
→ Iranian officials have been signaling over recent weeks that Tehran is preparing for a resumption of hostilities, while negotiations with Washington remain stalled.
International Affairs
→ On Monday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators to press the Trump administration over reported restrictions on intelligence sharing, satellite communications, and weapons deliveries.
→ In France, weeks of student-led protests over school conditions have expanded into broader unrest driven by rising living costs, planned public spending cuts, and economic inequality. Demonstrations escalated into riots and looting across several cities, prompting authorities to impose local curfews and arrest hundreds.
interforinternational.com/in…
#GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #SecurityIntelligence #PoliticalRisk #InternationalAffairs #RiskAssessment #CrisisManagement
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From escalating attacks in the Middle East to emerging cyber threats and growing geopolitical tensions, this week's security developments highlight the increasingly complex risk environment facing businesses and global travelers.
In this week's Interfor International Security Digest, our team examines several key developments:
→ Saudi Arabia: Houthi missile and drone attacks on Riyadh's main airport raise serious concerns about aviation security ahead of the Future Investment Initiative conference.
→ Iran: The U.S. signals a pause in military action while preparations for potential strikes reportedly continue.
→ Ethiopia and Eritrea: Renewed military clashes raise concerns about a broader regional conflict.
→ North Korea: New ballistic missile launches heighten tensions across East Asia.
→ Cybersecurity: U.S. authorities disrupt cyberespionage infrastructure linked to the Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Flax Typhoon.
For businesses, investors, and executives operating internationally, understanding how these developments affect security, travel, and operations is critical.
At Interfor International, we continue to monitor emerging threats and provide the intelligence organizations need to anticipate risks and make informed decisions.
Follow @InterforInt International for weekly security updates, geopolitical insights, and expert analysis of emerging risks around the world.
#InterforInternational #GlobalSecurity #GeopoliticalRisk #ThreatIntelligence #CyberSecurity #CorporateSecurity #MiddleEastSecurity #RiskManagement
Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - October 13, 2026
Middle East
→ On Saturday and Sunday, Houthi missile and drone attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300. The Houthis have been targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports for the past several days, prompting closures and restrictions for international travelers. Saudi Arabia launched an investigation into its failure to intercept the attacks and called for air defense support from allies in Europe and the Middle East. President Trump reportedly spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but has not publicly committed to providing Saudi Arabia with military assistance.
International Affairs
→ On Thursday, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) reported that an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) had reached 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths as of October 6, representing a fatality rate of approximately 48%.
interforinternational.com/in…
We recently installed a cutting-edge facial recognition system at Interfor's headquarters, and we're particularly excited about the company behind it. PropTech.AI is a dynamic Israeli startup bringing artificial intelligence to physical security, space management, and access control.
It's an example of how AI is moving beyond software and into the physical environments we rely on every day.
Their technology combines hyper-accurate facial recognition, visitor management, and real-time analytics to help businesses manage who enters their spaces, without relying on traditional access cards or cumbersome check-in processes.
Interfor has helped incubate Proptech.AI, and I’m proud to serve on its board.
As a company focused on helping organizations manage risk, we understand the importance of technologies that make physical security smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.
It's exciting to see this technology in action at our own headquarters.
#AI #PhysicalSecurity #FacialRecognition #PropTech #SecurityTechnology #IsraeliStartups #Innovation
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Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - October 6, 2026
Middle East
→ Iran’s economy continues to deteriorate under President Trump’s sanctions and naval blockade. Iranian oil production has reportedly fallen by half, with no crude oil loaded onto tankers in September.
International Affairs
→ On Wednesday, Britain’s domestic intelligence agency M.I.5. issued an espionage warning over Chinese efforts to obtain sensitive U.K. research and technology, identifying the China General Technology Research Institute (C.G.T.R.I.) as an organization that funds research linked to China’s Ministry of State Security.
→ On Sunday, the F.B.I. arrested 34-year-old Wanying “Heather” Zhang at Los Angeles International Airport as she prepared to board a flight to China, on charges of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government.
interforinternational.com/in…
#Geopolitics #InternationalSecurity #Security #MiddleEast #Iran #China #Espionage #Intelligence #CyberSecurity #NationalSecurity #InternationalAffairs #RiskManagement #GlobalSecurity #ThreatIntelligence #GeopoliticalRisk
The attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight is a stark reminder of how quickly the security landscape can change.
It also makes this Thursday’s Interfor Academy webinar especially timely.
Eduardo Jany, Chief Security Officer at @LinkedIn; Mark Sullivan, former Director of the United States Secret Service; and Amelia Powers Gardner, Commissioner of Utah County, will join Jeremy Hurewitz, Head of Interfor Academy, for When Violence Goes Mainstream: Political Violence and the New Corporate Security Landscape.
Political violence is no longer a distant or isolated risk that corporate security leaders can ignore.
As tensions increasingly spill into workplaces, public events, executive travel, and threats against individuals, organizations must carefully consider how they assess threats, protect their people, and build resilience without letting fear dictate operations.
Join us Thursday, October 8 at noon ET.
Registration link here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…
@edjany007 @Selllikeaspy @DonAviv @Amelia4Utah
Five men are now in custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by the United States. According to reporting so far, the case broke because a local farmer driving home after midnight noticed something that didn’t look right. Three white vans were blocking a quiet country lane near the base. As she turned around, she saw several men scatter toward the trees. She tried to alert the base, couldn’t reach anyone, and called the police. Within roughly 25 minutes, five suspects were in custody. This is how a lot of investigations actually begin. Not with a sophisticated intelligence platform or some dramatic investigative breakthrough, but with a member of the public noticing something unusual and reporting it. The public is often one of the most important sources of investigative leads. “See something, say something” may sound like an old slogan. It still works
#CounterTerrorism #TerrorismPrevention #SecurityAwareness #PublicSafety #ThreatDetection #SecurityIntelligence #SituationalAwareness #CommunitySafety #ProtectiveSecurity #SecurityManagement #RiskManagement #Terrorism #NationalSecurity #LawEnforcement #SeeSomethingSaySomething
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Interfor retweeted
Hosting what should be a fascinating conversation on the rise of ideological violence in America next Thursday at noon ET. Link to register in the comments and if you're registered you'll get a link to a recording the day after if you can't make it live. @InterforInt
Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - September 29, 2026
Middle East
→ A renewed round of indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran began last week, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Iran has pushed for a deal that reopens the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to the U.S. blockade on Iran’s ports, but the U.S. is insisting on some form of nuclear concession up front as well. President Trump is reportedly willing to offer sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, though he denied these reports on Monday.
International Affairs
→ On Sunday, a counterterrorism investigation was launched in Gloucestershire after authorities identified suspected activity near R.A.F. Fairford, a U.S.-operated base used for air operations against Iran. Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act. The arrests followed a report of three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base, prompting authorities to evacuate approximately 85 nearby households and deploy military bomb-disposal specialists. Investigators have since released the five men on police bail as no viable explosives were found in their vehicles and no evidence has emerged establishing a link between the suspects and Iran.
interforinternational.com/in…
#InternationalSecurity #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Iran #CounterTerrorism #GlobalSecurity #SecurityRisk #InterforInternational
Interfor International‘s Weekly Security Digest - September 22, 2026
Middle East
→ Following a strike on Riyadh’s airport over the weekend, Houthi spokesperson Mohamed al Bukhaiti warned foreign powers against assisting Saudi Arabia in the renewed fighting.
→ On Tuesday, Iranian chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf expressed a willingness to resume diplomatic talks with the U.S., though he did not indicate that Iran was ready to make any concessions on key demands.
interforinternational.com/in…
#SecurityDigest #SecurityIntelligence #GeopoliticalRisk #MiddleEast #MiddleEastSecurity #Iran #SaudiArabia #Yemen #Houthis #Riyadh #USIran #Diplomacy #ConflictRisk #RiskManagement #ThreatIntelligence #SecurityRisk #GlobalSecurity #InternationalSecurity #SecurityProfessionals #InterforInternational
You didn’t build it. You own it anyway.
Almost nothing a security team defends was actually built by that team. Acquisitions, subsidiaries, vendors, platforms. You inherit the risk, and eventually, someone puts a price on it.
On September 23, @Osec__ is teaming up with @InterforInt International to talk inherited security risk: what gets uncovered, what actually gets fixed, and where accountability lands.
September 23 | 2:00–3:00 PM ET
45-minute conversation + Q&A
If you’ve ever inherited an environment and been told to make it secure, this conversation is for you.
Register here:
hubs.la/Q04ttj610
#CyberSecurity #MergersAndAcquisitions #CISO #RiskManagement
@DonAviv , @MarkStamford

















