Critical Releases in Homeland Security: May 9, 2018

"2017 was a milestone year for the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). On October 12, 2017, at 4:10pm, the IC3 received its 4 millionth consumer internet crime complaint. As the lead federal agency for investigating cyber-attacks by criminals, overseas adversaries, and terrorists, the FBI's IC3 provides the public with a trustworthy and convenient reporting mechanism to submit information concerning suspected Internet-facilitated criminal activity. The IC3 also strengthens the FBI's partnerships with our law enforcement and private industry partners. As cyber criminals become more sophisticated in their efforts to target victims, we must continue to transform and develop in order to address the persistent and evolving cyber threats we face. The 2017 Internet Crime Report emphasizes the IC3's efforts in monitoring trending scams such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), Ransomware, Tech Support Fraud, and Extortion. The report also highlights the Elder Justice Initiative promoting justice for the nation's seniors. In 2017, IC3 received a total of 301,580 complaints with reported losses exceeding $1.4 Billion. This past year, the most prevalent crime types reported by victims were Non-Payment/Non-Delivery, Personal Data Breach, and Phishing. The top three crime types with the highest reported loss were BEC, Confidence/Romance fraud, and Non-Payment/Non-Delivery. This year's report features success stories from two different successful cases initiated from IC3 complaints. Additionally, the Operation Wellspring (OWS) Initiative continues to build the cyber investigative capability by utilizing Cyber Task Force officers, thus strengthening state and local law enforcement collaboration."

"An emergency can happen at any moment, and the U.S. must be ready to respond to pandemics, natural disasters, or chemical or radiological threats. Our actions in this area directly serve to protect the health of the American people and is a matter of national security. The terrorist and anthrax attacks of 2001 revealed critical gaps in our nation's preparedness and our ability to connect around response efforts. Emerging diseases like H7N9, MERS [Middle East Respiratory Syndrome], Ebola, and Zika continue to show us that we cannot let our guard down. Preparedness demands constant vigilance and investment to keep up with public health threats as they evolve."

"The nation's transportation system is a fundamental underpinning of the U.S. economy and the American spirit. Protecting the freedom of movement for people and commerce through this system is TSA's core mission. While we continue to operate in a fast-pace and dynamic environment, this strategy best positions TSA to meet our mission and lead the global community in transportation security. By focusing on a culture of innovation and action, while placing a premium on partnerships, we will drive continuous improvement. In committing to the development of our people, we ensure each TSA professional is prepared and equipped to contribute fully to our mission. This strategy will be accompanied by the Administrator's Intent, an internal shorter term document that provides to the workforce the specifc objectives and detailed guidance necessary to accomplish the strategic priorities. We will regularly assess progress on these objectives. The future we aspire to is ambitious. It requires accountable leadership. It requires the unique contributions of all members of our dedicated TSA workforce. It requires close collaboration with our partners to transform transportation security together on the behalf of the American people. We are prepared to rise to that challenge and look forward to the journey."