I remember many stories going back to my childhood about the dangers of speaking up and speaking out. Identifying as a neurodiverse individual was unheard of. This unhealthy aspect of society led to many tragedies swept beneath the carpet of time. As Russia brazenly leverages its hybrid warfare advantage against all democracies, they have also looked objectively at our societal hubris.
Leveraging a target society’s social issues in pursuing hybrid warfare objectives is an accepted part of their hybrid warfare doctrine. Targeting neurodiverse personalities, as a key element of that society’s STEM cohort, is a sick development by the rogue state.
Neurodiverse Folk Targeted by Rogue States and Organized Crime
I wrote previously about how Rawa Majid’s criminal organization in Sweden is targeting the neurodiverse in its recruitment efforts, and leveraging the distinct personality traits of neurodiverse folk into a potent asset for their activities. Known to be a prominent proxy for Iran, the sharing of what was once Soviet Union state secrets is now in the hands of organized crime.
Clinical, loyal and STEM savvy, these neurodiverse recruits add a potent punch to the ever-expanding integration of hostile state actions, cybercrime, and criminal activity. Google’s Threat Intelligence Group uncovered a hybrid warfare related cybercrime threat, designed to undermine Ukrainian military recruitment.
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This campaign targets Ukrainians and undermines their Android phones. It’s designed with malware delivering false narratives, while also collecting information on Ukrainian military recruitment. This two for one styled malware has the fingerprints of advanced STEM related skills in its crafting, and also the elaborate process design that delivers and manages it.
Actively managed via phones with Google Play disabled, the under the radar hit rate is a win for Russian intelligence against an adversary of their own creation. So, what was once told to “put up or shut up” is now desired by all sides of just about every pursuit of worth.
Ethics Matter And Neurodiverse Folk Are No Different
I cannot say that having a splendid memory and seeing the world differently is a marvel to behold. It is, however, me. What concerns me is the ethical engagement aspect. Ethics matter, even if those around a neurodiverse person cast them aside in an avaricious manner. Looking at how far down the rabbit hole the United States has gone with its politics is evidence of this.
Neurodiverse folk are performing key roles in Russia’s global information network and are actively working with their neurotypical colleagues towards the destruction of democracy as we know it. While a minority, they play a key role in this brazen, low-cost approach.
The insights, the STEM skills, the analytical prowess, they all present an edge for their wider organization. Western intelligence agencies realize this, and I note a corresponding amount of neurodiverse folk in professional intelligence roles. This gives rise to opportunity for those willing to think outside-the-box.
Observe and report agencies miss this opportunity to interact with persons of interest and flip them on a scaled level. Interactive agencies like CSIS in Canada are dealing with their threats to national security. They are part of a host of democracies targeted by Russian hybrid warfare campaigns.
Canada Leads The Way
Part of the Canadian way is to understand, identify, and leverage their adversary. Their understanding of the personality behind the bad actor, terrorist, or potential terrorist is key to a winning strategy. If they see an opportunity to flip them on a fundamental values level rather than using forced leverage, they will.
It is a major win to re-contextualize somebody’s existence and dedication to a cause. To flip them in such a manner is not normally possible within normal operational timeframes. The only real cohort of note is those who are the victims of deceit, and not indoctrination. They are mostly neurodiverse, especially if involved for some period.
This makes the re-contextualization of correctly identified adversaries possible in a relatively short period. Having the correct conversation with the correct adversary can spin a threat into an asset. Neurodiverse folk who are bound to purpose and mission are driven, relentless, and detail orientated. CSIS not only flips individuals, they flip key talent.
Caught napping in our own prosperity, democracies are struggling to make up for lost time and recover the initiative. Only with neurodiverse folk seeing society blossom from the ignorance of its past will they believe in our communal future. This takes our diverse acceptance, understanding, and sense of common purpose to prove genuine in their eyes. When these stars align, the targeting of the neurodiverse by hostile actors will seed their undoing.
About the Author
John is a versatile author known for his gripping fiction narratives in the thriller, action, and suspense genres. With a background as a journalist since 2016, and expertise in cloud technologies as an engineer; John brings a unique blend of storytelling prowess and technical acumen to his work.
