- Over the past few years, a number of organizations have warned that the world is facing growing danger from hackers and cybercriminals, and could be facing a cyberattack large enough to take down our society as a whole
- In June 2020, the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned that the world must prepare for an “inevitable global cyberattack,” a “COVID-like global cyber pandemic that will spread faster and further than a biological virus, with an equal or greater economic impact”
- In December 2021, a 10-nation exercise simulated a scenario in which a cyberattack brought down the financial system worldwide. Responses and solutions included emergency liquidity assistance to banks, a globally coordinated bank holiday (bank closure), debt repayment grace periods, and a “coordinated delinking from major currencies,” meaning bank balances in USD, GBP and EUR were eliminated and replaced with a central bank digital currency (CBDC). In case of a real cyberattack on the financial system, we can therefore expect this to happen
- At the end of 2020, hackers accessed the SolarWinds supply chain by delivering a backdoor malware through an infected SolarWind Orion software update. The malware infected the networks, systems and data of more than 30,000 public and private organizations, including local, state and federal agencies. It’s thought to be the largest and most devastating cyber breach to date
- The end game of all these organized cyberthreats is to eliminate anonymity on the web under the auspices of “preventing cybercrime,” and to impose extreme centralization of the internet for the purpose of information control
Over the past few years, several organizations have warned that the world is facing growing danger from hackers and cybercriminals and could be facing a cyberattack large enough to take down our society as a whole. An effective cyberattack could compromise any device and system connected to the internet, including but not limited to:
- Life-saving medical devices
- The internet of things (IoT) ecosystem (i.e., devices that run smart homes)
- The internet of bodies (IoB) ecosystem
- Global financial systems
- Energy grids
- Water treatment facilities
- Government IT systems
- Military and defense infrastructure
Warnings and Predictions of Internet Doom
In June 2020, the World Economic Forum warned1 that the world must prepare for an “inevitable global cyberattack,” a “COVID-like global cyber pandemic that will spread faster and further than a biological virus, with an equal or greater economic impact.”
“Our ‘new normal’ isn’t COVID-19 itself — it’s COVID-like incidents. And a cyber pandemic is probably as inevitable as a future disease pandemic,” the WEF said.
In November 2020, the WEF followed up with a report co-created with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which warned that the global financial system is failing to keep up with the ever-growing list of cyberthreats and is ill-equipped to defend against large-scale cyberattacks.2
To address this problem, the report called for greater coordination between government and industry, and for nations to cooperate more directly and intimately, rather than drafting a new treaty on international cybercrime.
Similarly, in March 2021, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) predicted that a cyberattack on the global financial system is practically inevitable, with ransomware and other extortion attacks topping the list of hazards.3,4
Another major target for cybercriminals and ransomware hackers is the health care industry, which has seen the largest increase in attacks — about double that of other industries.5
What Simulations and Exercises Tell Us About the Plan
As in the biosecurity arena, a number of tabletop exercises have been held to simulate a massive cyberattack. One such exercise took place in early December 2021 in Israel.6 The simulation was based on a scenario in which a cyberattack brought down the financial system worldwide.
Participants included treasury officials from Israel, the U.S., the U.K., United Arab Emirates, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Thailand, as well as representatives from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS).
Emergency responses presented during that exercise included emergency liquidity assistance to banks, a globally coordinated bank holiday (bank closure), debt repayment grace periods and SWAP/REPO agreements.
The response also included a “coordinated delinking from major currencies,” meaning bank balances in USD, GBP and EUR were eliminated and replaced with a central bank digital currency (CBDC).7
So, in the case of a real cyberattack on the financial system, we can probably expect this swap to happen. It’s also possible that if the rollout of CBDCs fails, a catastrophic systemic attack on the banking system could be used to force the issue.
At the time, former Pfizer executive Mike Yeadon, Ph.D., said he believed the simulation was a front for a planned financial reset in which most people will lose all their financial assets, thereby bringing about the WEF’s promise that you will “own nothing” by 2030.8
Preparing for a cyber pandemic more destructive than COVID also took place during the Cyber Polygon exercises of 2020 and 2021. This is yet another annual event staged by the WEF.
In 2020, the simulation involved a cyberattack against the global financial system.9 The following year, participants simulated a targeted supply chain attack on a corporate ecosystem resulting in industry collapses, mass unemployment, widespread rioting and global lockdowns.10,11 Solution trends that emerged from those exercises include:12
- A movement toward digital identity schemes, which the WEF has previously stated will determine “what products, services and information we can access — or, conversely, what is closed off to us”13
- “Fake news” being recognized as a “digital pandemic” that people must be protected from
- A recommendation to strengthen public-private partnerships and collaboration
- A recommendation to increase consolidation of corporate and state resources
- A recommendation to target cryptocurrencies, especially those offering transactional anonymity, and the infrastructure used by them.14 This, even though only 0.34% of cryptocurrency transactions in 2020 were tied to criminal activity, down from 2% in 201915
As you can see, the solutions presented by these unelected globalists always require more surveillance and greater public-private collaboration that blurs the line between elected and unelected decision-makers. In the end, unelected globalists are demanding — and getting — more and more power to make decisions for humanity.
Recent Cyberattacks Reveal the Scope of the Problem
Cyberattacks are clearly increasing and getting larger in scope. This should come as no surprise, as the world is becoming increasingly digitized — and connected digitally. Hacking health records, for example, was near-impossible in years past when paper records were kept, but with the introduction of digital health records and the sharing of those records across institutions, hacking has become a relatively simple, and profitable, affair.
The end game of all these organized cyberthreats is to eliminate anonymity on the web under the auspice of ‘preventing cybercrime,’ and impose extreme centralization of the internet for the purpose of information control.
Recent cyberattacks demonstrating the scope of the problem include:
- The 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist, where hackers absconded with $81 million in a matter of hours by targeting the bank’s SWIFT accounts (the international money transfer system banks use to transfer money between themselves). Hackers used the SWIFT credentials of employees at the Bangladesh Central Bank to request money transfers to bank accounts in the Philippines and other Asian banks.16
- In 2020, a ransomware attack resulted in BancoEstado, one of the biggest banks in Chile, to temporarily shut down all branches. In this case, the bank’s internal IT network was infected with the REvil ransomware originating from an infected Office file opened by an employee. The file installed a back door to the bank’s network, which the hackers then used to install the ransomware.17
- At the end of 2020, hackers accessed the SolarWinds supply chain by delivering a backdoor malware through an infected SolarWind Orion software update. The malware infected the networks, systems and data of more than 30,000 public and private organizations, including local, state and federal agencies. It’s thought to be the largest and most devastating cyber breach to date.18
- In early August 2023, California-based Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. had to shut down certain services, including outpatient medical imaging and blood draw services, after a cyber breach was detected. Some of its hospitals and clinics also had to revert to paper records as IT systems were shuttered.
- That same week, Pennsylvania-based Crozer Health also had to shut down its computer systems and close emergency rooms due to a system-wide ransomware attack.19,20
It experienced a similar attack in 2020,21 and apparently didn’t figure out how to prevent a repeat. According to cybersecurity experts, Crozer data was auctioned off in that 2020 attack after Crozer refused to pay the ransom.
Eliminating Online Anonymity Is the Endgame
So, where is all of this taking us? As explained by investigative journalist Whitney Webb in the short video at the top of this article, the end game is a) to eliminate anonymity on the web under the auspice of “preventing cybercrime” and b) to impose extreme centralization of the internet for the purpose of information control. She also wrote about this in a July 2021 article for The Last American Vagabond:22
“… there is a … push by WEF partners to ‘tackle cybercrime’ that seeks to end privacy and the potential for anonymity on the internet in general, by linking government-issued IDs to internet access.
Such a policy would allow governments to surveil every piece of online content accessed as well as every post or comment authored by each citizen, supposedly to ensure that no citizen can engage in ‘criminal’ activity online.
Notably, the WEF Partnership against Cybercrime employs a very broad definition of what constitutes a ‘cybercriminal’ as they apply this label readily to those who post or host content deemed to be ‘disinformation’ that represents a threat to ‘democratic’ governments.
The WEF’s interest in criminalizing and censoring online content has been made evident by its recent creation of a new Global Coalition for Digital Safety to facilitate the increased regulation of online speech by both the public and private sectors.”
Global Cyber Utility Will Usher in Unprecedented Surveillance
In her article,23 Webb goes on to review the roles of the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) and the WEF Partnership Against Cybercrime (WEF-PAC). Both are currently being positioned as a “main solution” to the catastrophic cyber pandemic predicted, by being set up as centers of global coordination of financial services and the protection thereof, with a “shared narrative” against cybercrime.
This new global “cyber utility” seeks to unite law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, banks and other large corporations and “stakeholders” around the world under one umbrella to prevent cybercrime. For that to be feasible, WEF-PAC has noted that legislation may need to be revised to allow law enforcement agencies and government regulators to fuse their operations with the private sector, including entities they’re meant to oversee, regulate and prosecute for wrongdoing.
Coffee the Christian way: Promised Grounds
We’re already seeing this plan take shape, with the rapid consolidation of banks. The next step will be to merge the remaining banks with regulators and intelligence agencies, forming this new “cyber utility” entity.24 Webb continues:25
“Many organizations that are related to or are formally part of WEF-PAC are deeply invested in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as well as efforts to digitalize and thus more easily control nearly every sector of the global economy and to regulate the internet.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that many of these groups may look to justify regulations and other measures that will advance these agendas in which they have long-term ‘strategic interests’ through the promotion of a ‘shared narrative’ that is deemed most palatable to the general public, but not necessarily based in fact …
The considerable involvement of some of the most powerful corporations in the world from some of the most critical sectors that underpin the current economy, as well as non-profits that manage key internet, government and utility infrastructure in these organizations that comprise WEF-PAC is highly significant and also concerning for more than a few reasons.
Indeed, if all were to follow the call to form a ‘shared narrative,’ whether it is true or not, in pursuit of long-term ‘strategic interests,’ which the WEF and many of its partners directly relate to the rapid implementation of the 4th Industrial Revolution via the ‘Great Reset,’ the WEF-PAC global cyber utility could emerge sooner rather than later.
As evidenced by the architecture put forth by WEF-PAC, the power that organization would have over the public and private sectors is considerable.
Such an organization, once established, could usher in long-standing efforts to both require a digital ID to access and use the internet as well as eliminate the ability to conduct anonymous financial transactions. Both policies would advance the overarching goal of both the WEF and many corporations and governments to usher in a new age of unprecedented surveillance of ordinary citizens.”
- 1 Weforum June 1, 2020
- 2 Cyberscoop November 18, 2020
- 3 FSISAC.com Navigating Cyber 2021
- 4 Cyberscoop March 30, 2021
- 5 Weforum February 12, 2021
- 6 Reuters December 9, 2021
- 7, 8 Daily Telegraph NZ December 16, 2021
- 9, 14, 15, 22, 23, 25 The Last American Vagabond July 8, 2021
- 10, 12 Global Research May 7, 2021
- 11 Unlimited Hangout February 5, 2021
- 13 WEF Identity in a Digital World September 2018
- 16 Wired May 17, 2016
- 17 ZDnet September 7, 2020
- 18 Tech Target June 27, 2023
- 19 Inquirer August 3, 2023
- 20 CBS News August 4, 2023
- 21 Cyberscoop June 19, 2020
- 24 The Last American Vagabond April 7, 2021
Article cross-posted from Dr. Mercola’s site.
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
