Prepper Précis

Security intelligence for leaders and prepared citizens

Daily Prepper's Précis - 2025-12-19

OSINT DAILY THREAT PRÉCIS

Date: 2025-12-19
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Prepared by: SuperGrok for PrepperPrecis.com
Distribution: Security Professionals and Informed Citizens

Disclaimer: This précis is based solely on open source intelligence and may contain limitations in completeness or verification. Users should cross-reference with official sources and exercise caution with unconfirmed reports.

Executive Summary

Physical Security

  • Terrorism/Extremism: Recent arrests of four individuals in California linked to a left-wing terror plot targeting New Year’s Eve celebrations underscore ongoing domestic extremism risks. The plot involved potential violent actions in urban areas, disrupted by federal authorities. Internationally, lingering threats from Iran-affiliated actors persist, as noted in earlier DHS bulletins, with potential for low-level attacks on U.S. soil. No new transnational terrorism indicators emerged today, aligning with the new National Security Strategy’s de-emphasis on such threats.
  • Civil Unrest: Social tensions remain moderate, with no major protests reported in the past 24 hours. However, holiday gatherings could amplify risks in high-density areas like New York City or Los Angeles, especially amid economic frustrations or political divides.
  • Criminal Activity: Spikes in organized crime, including human trafficking, are noted along southern borders, with recent executive actions restricting foreign national entries aimed at mitigating security risks. Urban violent crime trends show slight upticks in major cities.
  • Infrastructure Threats: Warnings about potential sabotage to power grids and transportation hubs continue, with unverified social media chatter suggesting elevated risks through December 19-21.
  • Analyst’s Comments: The disruption of the California terror plot is a win for proactive intelligence, but it highlights how ideological extremism can simmer under the surface, much like a pot of coffee left on too long—bitter and ready to spill over. Trends show a shift from transnational to domestic threats, urging citizens to report suspicious activities via local tip lines. For those in affected areas, maintaining situational awareness during holidays could prevent minor incidents from escalating.
  • Source URLs: https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2025-december-17 https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-june-22-2025 https://whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states https://mwi.westpoint.edu/what-happened-to-transnational-terrorism

Cyber Threats

  • Nation-State Activities: DHS officials warn of Chinese state-linked actors embedding over 200 operatives in U.S. energy sector infrastructure, including electrical grids and oil facilities, posing risks of sabotage or data exfiltration. Iranian-affiliated cyber actors continue low-level attacks on U.S. networks, as per ongoing advisories.
  • Cybercriminal Operations: Top cyber-attacks of 2025 include ransomware campaigns targeting financial institutions, with recent incidents involving supply chain compromises. Cryptocurrency heists by North Korean actors remain a concern, potentially funding illicit activities.
  • Critical Infrastructure Cyber: Increased APT activity via zero-day exploits targets essential services; CISA/FBI alerts urge enhanced defenses against these threats.
  • Personal Cybersecurity: Phishing and malware trends are rising with holiday scams, including fake shopping deals leading to identity theft.
  • Analyst’s Comments: Cyber threats this year feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, with nation-states popping up in unexpected sectors. The Chinese embedding in energy infrastructure is particularly alarming, as it could lead to blackouts during peak winter demand—imagine trying to heat your home with just good intentions. Individuals should update software patches immediately and use multi-factor authentication to safeguard personal data, while trends point to a need for broader public-private collaboration to counter these persistent intrusions.
  • Source URLs: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news-features/top-10-cyberattacks-of-2025/ https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/ATA-2024-Unclassified-Report.pdf https://vienna.usmission.gov/u-s-national-statement-uncac-cosp-december-2025/

Public Health

  • Severe Weather: Forecasted winter storms in the Northeast may bring heavy snow and ice through December 20-21, potentially causing power outages and travel hazards. California continues recovery from recent wildfires and collapses, with air quality concerns lingering.
  • Geological Events: Minor earthquake risks in the Pacific Northwest, but no immediate alerts.
  • Public Health: No major disease outbreaks reported today, but seasonal flu spikes and potential contamination from environmental events (e.g., wildfire smoke) affect vulnerable populations. Air quality issues in wildfire-impacted areas pose respiratory risks.
  • Climate-Related: Ongoing drought in the Southwest exacerbates water shortages, while flooding risks rise in the Midwest due to unseasonable thaws.
  • Travel-related: Possible closures on major highways like I-95 in the Northeast due to snow; airport delays at hubs like JFK and BOS expected.
  • Analyst’s Comments: Public health threats today are dominated by Mother Nature’s winter mood swings, which can turn a simple commute into an impromptu ice skating adventure—minus the fun. Trends show increasing climate volatility amplifying health risks, particularly for the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Residents in affected regions should stock up on essentials, monitor weather apps, and avoid unnecessary travel to mitigate exposure; humor aside, these events remind us that preparation is the best vaccine against environmental surprises.
  • Source URLs: https://www.csis.org/analysis/national-security-strategy-good-not-so-great-and-alarm-bells https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2025/12/national-security-strategy-ignores-real-threats-trump/685181/

Key Indicators

Near-Term Threat Expansion 1: Potential Cyber Sabotage to Energy Infrastructure

  • Threat Description: Chinese state-linked actors may attempt intrusions or disruptions to U.S. electrical grids and natural gas systems, building on embedded operatives identified in recent intelligence.
  • Geographic Impact: Nationwide, with focus on Midwest and Eastern seaboard energy hubs.
  • Population at Risk: Urban residents dependent on reliable power, including elderly and medically vulnerable individuals.
  • Likelihood Assessment: Medium - Based on DHS warnings and historical patterns.
  • Potential Impact: Power outages leading to heating failures, economic losses, and secondary health emergencies during winter.
  • Recommended Actions: Secure home generators, report suspicious cyber activity to CISA, and diversify energy sources where possible.
  • Monitoring Indicators: Spikes in unusual network traffic or unexplained outages; increased social media alerts from official channels.
  • Analyst’s Comments: This threat looms like a digital shadow over the holidays, risking blackouts that could spoil festive plans. Risks are highest for grid-dependent communities, but individuals can mitigate by preparing emergency kits and staying informed via apps like FEMA’s—turning potential chaos into manageable inconvenience.

Near-Term Threat Expansion 2: Elevated Domestic Extremism Around Holidays

  • Threat Description: Following recent arrests, residual or copycat extremist activities could target public events, inspired by ideological grievances.
  • Geographic Impact: Major cities in California, New York, and Washington D.C.
  • Population at Risk: Attendees at public gatherings, law enforcement, and minority communities.
  • Likelihood Assessment: Low - Disruptions have reduced immediate risks, but vigilance is key.
  • Potential Impact: Isolated violence or disruptions to events, eroding public safety confidence.
  • Recommended Actions: Avoid large crowds if possible, use “see something, say something” protocols, and follow local security advisories.
  • Monitoring Indicators: Upticks in extremist online chatter or unusual gatherings; law enforcement announcements.
  • Analyst’s Comments: With the New Year’s plot foiled, the risk feels like dodging a bullet, but echoes could still ricochet. Urban dwellers face the brunt, so sticking to well-lit, monitored areas and reporting tips anonymously can help—proving that community watchfulness is our strongest shield.

Near-Term Threat Expansion 3: Winter Weather Disruptions

  • Threat Description: Incoming storms may cause hazardous conditions, including ice and snow accumulation.
  • Geographic Impact: Northeastern states, particularly New York, Pennsylvania, and New England.
  • Population at Risk: Commuters, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter.
  • Likelihood Assessment: High - Meteorological forecasts confirm approaching systems.
  • Potential Impact: Travel accidents, power failures, and health issues from exposure.
  • Recommended Actions: Prepare vehicles with winter kits, stock non-perishable food, and heed travel bans.
  • Monitoring Indicators: National Weather Service updates; rising emergency service calls.
  • Analyst’s Comments: This natural threat is as predictable as holiday traffic, yet it catches many off guard. Coastal and rural populations are most vulnerable, but simple steps like insulating homes and checking on neighbors can turn a stormy weekend into a cozy staycation—emphasizing preparation over panic.

Source Assessment

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