Security Threats Posed by CRISPR | Computer Security for Nuclear Security | What Will Determine Whether China Overtakes U.S. in Tech, and more

The attack stunned a nation where gun violence is rare. The 22-year-old posted YouTube videos filled with despair and self-loathing ahead of the rampage, and reportedly showed interest in the involuntary celibate, or “incel,” male supremacist subculture that has been linked to a number of violent acts around the world. Britain has one of the lowest gun homicide rates in the world and some of the strictest gun laws, including comprehensive background checks. But the Aug. 12 attack raised questions about whether those checks are sufficient, after Davison had his previously confiscated gun and firearms license returned to him just weeks before the mass slayings. Davison, who had admitted to assaulting two people, participated in an initiative that aims to keep offenders out of the criminal justice system.

Far-Right ‘Berserker Clan’ Accused of Prepping for Armed Uprising in Germany  (Tim Hume, Vice)
German police have carried out raids across the country against a far-right group that was allegedly prepping for an armed uprising against the state, amassing guns, knives and ammunition. According to the authorities, the right-wing extremist group, known as the Berserker Clan, had been discussing preparations for a so-called “Day X” – a concept prevalent in German far-right circles which refers to an unspecified date when extremists will violently rise up against the establishment.  Prosecutors have accused 15 people of belonging to the group, which they allege is a criminal organisation. About 130 police officers were involved in Wednesday’s searches at 14 properties linked to the group in the states of Berlin, Schleswig-Holstein, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. A spokesperson for the Berlin Attorney General’s office told VICE World News that they could not provide any information on the number of weapons seized. Nobody had been arrested in the raids, which were part of a preliminary investigation into the group. The Berserker Clan’s Facebook page shows photos of members wearing T-shirts featuring the group’s logo: an axe-wielding warrior wearing a skull helmet. The page also features references to a “revenge full of horror and terror,” as well as the slogan: “Through bloodshed, the gods reveal their will to us.

Computer Security for Nuclear Security  (IAEA)
This publication provides detailed guidance on developing, implementing, and integrating computer security as a key component of nuclear security. This guidance applies to computer security aspects of nuclear security and its interfaces with nuclear safety and with other elements of a State’s nuclear security regime, including the security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, of radioactive material and associated facilities, and of nuclear and other radioactive material outside of regulatory control. The scope of this publication includes: computer-based systems, the compromise of which could adversely affect nuclear security or nuclear safety; the State’s and relevant entities roles and responsibilities in relation to computer security in the nuclear security regime; the activities of the State in establishing and implementing a computer security strategy for nuclear security; the elements and measures for subordinate computer security programmes; and the activities to sustain the strategy.

Officials Warn 5 Key Tech Sectors Will Determine Whether China Overtakes U.S.  (Zachary Basu, Axios)
U.S. intelligence officials responsible for protecting advanced technologies have narrowed their focus to five key sectors: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, semiconductors and autonomous systems.
China and Russia are employing a variety of legal and illegal methods to undermine and overtake U.S. dominance in these critical industries, officials warned in a new paper. Their success will determine “whether America remains the world’s leading superpower or is eclipsed by strategic competitors.”

September Saw Fewer Unaccompanied Children Crossing into U.S.  (CBP)
The number of encounters of unaccompanied children along the U.S.-Mexico border decreased 24 percent in September, with 14,358 encounters in September compared with 18,806 in August.