2024 is looking to be a tumultuous year for the United States. What are the developing national security risks and threats to America, along with their security implications in 2024?
The foremost specialist in regards to any security threats against US national security is the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2003 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Its primary mission is to safeguard against threats in America, including terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
They have a yearly report, “The Office of Intelligence and Analysis Homeland Threat Assessment 2024 from Homeland Security Department.”
In it, DHS assesses 4 main areas of US threat concern in 2024.
- Threats to Public Safety and Security
a. Terrorism from violent groups both foreign and domestic (e.g. al-Qa’ida or ISIS).
b. Illegal drugs (especially fentanyl)
c. Foreign misinformation, disinformation and malinformation especially using bots, trolls, or generative AI.
d. Transnational repression from China, Russian and Iran against targets in the US they perceive as threats. - Threats to Border and Immigration Security
a. Migration and watchlist encounter trends of increased migration, potential terrorism connections.
b.Transnational criminal organizations doing labor, sex and drug smuggling. - Threats to Critical Infrastructure Security
a. Disruptive and destructive attacks against energy, communications, railways, public health sectors.
b. Espionage against critical infrastructure like financial, government or military services. - Threats to Economic Security
a. economic manipulation, coercion, and malign influence of critical supply chains or data.
b. economic espionage to target and steal information and research.
c. financially motivated cyber attacks like email hacking schemes to do unauthorized money transfers, or ransomware attacks).
Security Threats According To Other Sources
The international multi-language newspaper The Epoch Times has their own list of the greatest security threats to the US in 2024 Note that The Epoch Times is a right-leaning media source, with a background of being targeted by the Chinese Communist Party. (This is due to their connection to the Falun Gong religion- a non-approved movement in China). So their 2024 threat list contains particular focus on China and communism as threats to US national security.
- Terrorism – There is a major threat from both foreign and domestic terrorists, and those radicalized by foreign influence.
- Drug Trafficking- This threat is a top one, based on countless lives lost, with drugs made in Mexico from chemicals produced in China.
- The Crisis at the Southern Border- Record numbers of illegal immigrants are crossing (mostly Latin American with growing numbers of Chinese and Russian nationals).
- Expansion of the Middle East Conflict- Conflicts have arisen with Houthis targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea, and Iran backed militias.
- A Potential Taiwan War- China has reiterated its commitment to absorb Taiwan.
- The Expansion of the Ukraine Conflict- This could draw the US and NATO into major conflict with Russia.
- Foreign Influence in the US elections from the Communist Party- The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is keenly interested in the elections, continuing to spread propaganda, economic crimes and industrial espionage. Beijing is at the forefront of use of disruptive AI technology.
Another list of key 2024 security threats is from Axios, a moderately liberal-leaning media source (“The 2024 Risk That Trumps All Others”). Axios summarizes the 2024 threats to America as follows:
- Axios lists a Trump re-election as the US’s primary risk with great domestic and global repercussions for 2024-2025 – If re-elected, Trump would likely stretch legal and governance boundaries. His protectionist and isolationist policies would buffet NATO, and impact other global agreements.
- The Threat from the Middle East on the Brink- Conflict in the Middle East will dominate and impact trade, tourism, investment, and financial channels. Refugee flows will add to social and fiscal pressures in many countries as well.
- Ungoverned AI- AI will be used by domestic and foreign actors, particularly Russia, to influence elections, stoke divisions, undermine trust in democracies, and sow political chaos. AI criminal use will increase.
- Axis of Rogues- Axios sees the deepening ties among Russia, Iran and North Korea as threatening global security, as they exchange weapons, nuclear and spy technology. These growing military ties are ominous to the US and global balance of power.
Another article in moderately liberal Time Magazin lists their major security threats against the US in 2024. Time starts with the primary threat of the United States vs Itself due to its current dysfunctional political system. The threats of Middle East conflict, a Partitioned Ukraine, Ungoverned AI, the Axis of Rogues, and No China Recovery from a faltering economy are additional threats listed.
Wanted: A Security Community Prepared For Dangerous Threats
This rapidly evolving landscape of threats to the US in 2024 makes a well-equipped and trained security community more necessary than ever before. Because of so many top threats to US security, security guard companies must be ready to utilize their maximum potential for the greater good. Here are just a few areas where a well-trained and customized security focus can aggressively step up in 2024.
Against unauthorized intrusions
Usually these threats involve trespassers, disgruntled ex-employees or criminals simply intent on stealing. But national security officials are now particularly concerned about foreign and domestic extremist interferences as well. Physical security such as access control systems, CCTV cameras, motor sensors, secure storage (safes and lockable cabinets), and vendor and supplier evaluations are the normal tools that security personnel can robustly update against this 2024 threat. Additionally, well-trained guards that spot suspicious activities and respond quickly are a major key in combatting national security risks.
Against vandalism and property damage
Manned security patrols by foot, bike or car, along with proper lighting, well-maintained surveillance cameras and access control systems can mitigate vandalism and property damage. In this highly volatile year, certain clients and groups could be specifically targeted with vandalism or criminal destruction. Informed security personnel can even utilize tools such as Drone Surveillance to combat such security issues.
Against unauthorized cyber access
Iranian and Russian hackers have already previously breached voter data in 2016 and 2022- no voter data was manipulated, but deceptive emails and misinformation were sent. National security experts in 2024 are looking for hackers and international players to continue their attempts to destabilize the US via its election process. Security personnel can mitigate this threat against digital data with increased firewall and intrusion detection systems for clients. Companies should also safeguard their digital assets with an increase of employee training and awareness programs against phishing, along with the software updates and patch management practices.
Against terrorism and extremism, security guard companies must remain updated on current geopolitical situations and even local trends, such as those contributing to organized retail theft.
Certain clients such as embassies or banks need customized security plans in this 2024 environment, since they could be targets of violent extremist groups, whether domestic or foreign. Crowd management strategies for security are also vital in the case of political demonstrations, rallies, or picketing situations that have the potential for violence against people or property.
Against workplace violence
Security personnel need comprehensive training for their clients for possible physical assaults, threats, or even active shooters. Training for security responses to attacks against poll workers and officials could also be necessary during the elections of 2024 as well. Enhanced protection for poll workers and officials may also be essential during the 2024 elections.
Workplaces will require well-trained armed security guards, heightened access control measures, and better training for office employees — crucial as the threat of violence escalates. For more information, read Prepare Office for an Active Shooter Situation.
In conclusion
The United States in 2024 desperately needs a well-trained, well-equipped security community. The top national security risks and threats to America are strong this year, and only the best security personnel and protocols can combat them.
