OSINT and Resources

Open Source Threat Awareness and Resources

Current national threat status and public alerts and advisories from federal, Virginia, and National Capital Region sources. Every item is unclassified, publicly released information that links to the issuing agency.

National Threat Status

Current National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) status from the Department of Homeland Security.

Federal Alerts and Advisories

Public alerts, advisories, and releases on homeland security, counterterrorism, foreign terrorist organizations (FTO), domestic violent extremism (DVE), and lone actor and nihilistic violent extremist tactics, techniques, and procedures, from DHS, CISA, the FBI, NCTC, and the Department of State.

Protecting Children Online: Nihilistic Violent Extremism

The FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) warn that violent online networks are targeting children and vulnerable people for sexual exploitation, self-harm and violence. The information below is drawn from their public releases.

The Threat: Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) and "764"

fbi.gov

  • The FBI describes NVE offenders as driven by a desire to sow chaos and bring down society. Networks such as "764" befriend children, typically ages 10 to 17, on social media, gaming and messaging platforms, then use sextortion, threats, doxing and swatting to coerce them into producing sexual abuse material, self-harm and harm to others.

  • Warning signs: sudden withdrawal or isolation; hiding arms or legs; patterned cuts, burns or symbols on the skin; harm to pets or younger siblings; fear of, or fixation on, a new online contact; unexplained calls, packages or police visits.

  • FBI warning on NVE networks targeting children

    Who is targeted, how the networks operate and what to watch for.

  • FBI open letter to parents, guardians and caregivers

    Plain-language guidance for families.

Report It and Get Help

missingkids.org
NCMEC: Sextortion Used to Groom Kids for ViolenceHow offenders move from sextortion to coerced self-harm and violence. NCMEC CyberTipline DataAnnual reporting data, including sadistic online exploitation reports. FBI Philadelphia WarningViolent online networks targeting children and vulnerable populations.

Virginia

Virginia public safety and homeland security sources.

Report Suspicious Activity in VirginiaVirginia Fusion Center online report, or call 877-4VA-TIPS (877-482-8477). In an emergency, call 911. Join VFC SHIELD (free)Open-source awareness bulletins from the Virginia Fusion Center for the public and private sectors. Text "Join" to 804-796-0770. VFC SHIELD ProductsCTAware, CIAware, CyberAware, FaithAware, HealthAware, AcademicAware, and more.

Sheriff's Offices

Region and Northern Virginia

In an emergency, call 911. Links go to official county websites.

Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region

District of Columbia and National Capital Region public safety sources.

DC Fusion Center (HSEMA)The District's 24/7 all-hazards fusion center. Its products go to vetted partners; this link is for reference only. Report Suspicious Activity in D.C. (iWATCH)The reporting tool linked by the DC Fusion Center. In an emergency, call 911. Sign Up for AlertDCThe District's official emergency alerts by email, text, or app. ProtectDCTargeted violence prevention and referrals.

Incident and Crime Awareness

Open-source, near real-time crime and incident reporting from public government sites, plus live weather and disaster data. There is no public ISC incident dashboard; these are the closest official public sources.

DC Crime Cards (MPD)Near real-time crime incidents for the District from the Metropolitan Police Department, by ward, district or address. Spotsylvania County Crime MappingSheriff's Office crime map searchable by address and date range. Fredericksburg Police Crime ReportsArrests and significant incidents released to the public by the Fredericksburg Police Department. FBI Crime Data ExplorerOfficial national, state and agency crime statistics, including monthly releases. Report a Cyber or Physical Incident to CISAAfter emergency response, report significant incidents to CISA Central, 1-844-SAY-CISA. In an emergency, call 911. National Weather Service Active AlertsOfficial watches, warnings and advisories nationwide.

Active Weather and Hazard Alerts (VA, DC, MD)

weather.gov
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Recent FEMA Disaster Declarations (VA, DC, MD)

fema.gov
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Report Suspicious Activity

If you see something suspicious, report it. In an emergency, call 911.

If You See Something, Say SomethingDHS guidance on recognizing and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. FBI TipsSubmit a tip to the FBI online. Virginia: 877-4VA-TIPSVirginia Fusion Center suspicious activity reporting. Washington, D.C.: iWATCHSuspicious activity reporting for the District. U.S. Army iWATCHArmy-wide suspicious activity reporting. Fort Belvoir: 703-806-3105 on installation; local police off installation. Army counterintelligence: 1-800-CALL-SPY. NCIS Tips (Navy and Marine Corps)Anonymous web and mobile reporting of criminal activity and force protection threats affecting the Navy and Marine Corps.

Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA): See Something, Say Something

pfpa.mil

For the Pentagon Reservation and PFPA-protected facilities in the National Capital Region. In an emergency, call 911.

DHS Federal Protective Service (FPS) MegaCenters

dhs.gov

MegaCenters monitor alarms and CCTV and dispatch FPS officers for federal facilities nationwide. Locations and numbers as listed by DHS. In an emergency, call 911.

Reference Library

Unclassified reference material for security managers and planners.

NCTC Counterterrorism GuideReference on international terrorist groups and threat topics. JCAT First Responder's ToolboxUnclassified counterterrorism reference products from NCTC, DHS, and FBI. Suspicious Activity Reporting TrainingNationwide SAR Initiative online training modules. CISA Insider Threat Mitigation GuideBuilding an insider threat program. CISA Public Venue Credentialing GuideCredentialing for events and public venues. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)Department of State travel alerts and embassy contact for U.S. travelers.
Open Source Information Notice. Everything on this page is unclassified, publicly released information from the issuing agencies. Each item links to its official source. Spectrum Protection Group doesn't post controlled, marked, or client information here. Feeds update automatically and can be delayed; always confirm current status with the issuing agency. In an emergency, call 911.

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