The term "credential stuffing" describes a hacking technique where attackers use leaked usernames and passwords from other websites to gain unauthorized access. No matter how secure a system is, human error remains its weakest link. Many users recycle the same two or three passwords across multiple accounts—or even worse, use a single password for everything.
Jack recalled his days at the LAPD when an old colleague, Smitty, had his username and password taped next to his computer screen.
This hacking method is neither sophisticated nor innovative, but it's incredibly effective and almost impossible to fully prevent, especially in a massive organization like the NYPD, where the human element is unavoidable.
After Jack explained the technical terms to Commissioner Frank Reagan, the latter immediately called Internal Affairs and unleashed a tirade of reprimands.
Finally, Hotchner summarized the situation and laid out the next steps. "The evidence supports our theory. If the murders were indeed to measure police response times, then there may be bombs planted near the crime scenes."
Before he could finish, Reid interjected, "If our profile is correct, there could be 16 bombs. Their goal might include a secondary attack targeting first responders, possibly using suicide bombers."
Reid's words sent a chill through the room. Even without witnessing the scenario, the thought alone was horrifying.
Hotchner maintained his stoic demeanor despite his grim expression. "Emily, accompany Commissioner Reagan to the mayor's office. Rossi and Ms. Moritz will coordinate with the NSA. Reid and Luke will go along—Reid to explain the gravity of the situation, and Luke to provide security.
Hannah and JJ, head to the Port Authority and coordinate with them. If necessary, activate emergency protocols."
Hotchner's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Joyner. "Send all the crime scene data to DHS. You'll come with me to brief them; we need DHS to deploy personnel to search those areas.
Our only advantage right now is that the perpetrators believe they're still in control and don't know we've uncovered their plan. We must act quickly and remain vigilant."
His eyes then turned to Jack, the only one without an assignment. "Jack, stay at headquarters and handle any emergencies."
Reagan adjusted his uniform, donned his hat, and prepared to leave. "I've alerted all emergency units. If anything suspicious happens, no one is to approach until the bomb squad secures the area."
Meanwhile, Dana Moritz issued orders to Jubal. "Inform all agents who've arrived to assist that they are on 24-hour standby. They'll work in teams of three, maintain constant communication, and report every 20 minutes. No cellphone reporting—if an emergency occurs, the mobile network will collapse, just like it did before."
Jack silently admired her meticulousness. If the enemy was monitoring their every move, the heavily armed presence of the FBI on the streets might be part of their plan.
Nearly 300 agents from neighboring states had arrived in New York. If one of them was targeted, killed, and impersonated, the perpetrators could exploit the city's lockdown to move freely through bridges and tunnels using FBI credentials.
Before the teams departed, Jack distributed signal jammers to each group, warning them, "In an emergency, activate this jammer to block all wireless signals within a 200-yard radius. However, you'll lose your own communication as well, so use it sparingly."
After the bomb collar incident at the FBI's New York headquarters, Dana Moritz had ensured a stockpile of these inexpensive but effective devices for field agents. The jammer, roughly the size of a brick, wasn't powerful enough for military-grade signals but was more than sufficient against civilian wireless transmitters.
In the operations center, Jubal was already coordinating. Technicians were testing emergency communication lines and assigning radio channels to connect with the arriving agents.
Most agents didn't have vehicles equipped with radios like Jack's Dodge Hellcat. Instead, they relied on department-issued cell phones, which had limited reliability in emergencies.
Private mobile networks, notorious for cutting corners to reduce costs, often failed during crises. A sudden increase in users making emergency calls could crash the network, leaving 911 lines inaccessible. Even emergency dispatch centers would be overwhelmed.
Field agents typically carried wireless earpieces during operations, which required proximity to a car radio. For larger missions, a dedicated communication vehicle would serve as a relay station.
In this crisis, with no time to deploy communication vehicles across Manhattan, the team had to rely on the rooftop antenna at the Federal Building. It wasn't ideal for covering all of New York City, but it sufficed for Manhattan.
Once the teams left, Jack approached Garcia. At some point, she had assumed leadership over the IT technicians, who were now consolidating surveillance feeds from the eight crime scene areas into a centralized display for easy access.
Though the surveillance coverage was limited and often of poor quality, it was better than nothing. Each area still had dozens of cameras, and sifting through their footage manually would be a monumental task.
"So, no way to track the intruder in the system? Not even with a little help from our 'friend'?" Jack asked, tapping her desk meaningfully.
Garcia knew he meant Justin, the hacker they occasionally collaborated with. She shook her head. "The hacker wasn't particularly advanced but was extremely cautious. They wiped all traces of their activity before leaving. Even Justin might not be able to help.
However, we've set a trap. If they re-enter the system, we'll be able to pinpoint their location."
Jack wandered the office, a nagging sense of unease gnawing at him. Grabbing a Noveske N4 rifle, he began disassembling and cleaning it, mentally reviewing the case's clues.
His thoughts lingered on the face of the young shooter, who had died with his eyes wide open. The suspect was barely out of his teens—a prime target for manipulation. Emily had used the word martyr to describe him, and that word stuck in Jack's mind.
"Martyr… Martyr…" Jack repeated to himself, an idea suddenly sparking. He turned to Jubal. "Do you remember that terrorist group that tricked teenage girls into spreading pufferfish toxin across the city?"
(Reference: Chapter 535.)
Jubal nodded. To him, Jack seemed to attract chaos. Since Jack's arrival in New York, explosions and poisonings had become routine.
"'Dark Jihad.' Why?" Jubal asked. "Since you and Hannah killed Khalid Baram, that group's been quiet. After NSA and CIA cut off their funding, some members abroad were absorbed by ISIS. Domestically, only a few remnants remain, and without resources, they couldn't organize something this large."
"Exactly. Without resources," Jack said pointedly. "But NSA mentioned the missing $10 million from the Durango cartel."
Jubal froze, the implications dawning on him. "You think there's a collaboration? The cartel provides money and explosives, and 'Dark Jihad' supplies the personnel?"
"Maybe," Jack speculated. "Or perhaps 'Dark Jihad' took the funds and decided to go rogue, planning a large-scale attack to establish their presence. Either way, it's worth exploring."
Jubal nodded, already picking up his phone. "I'll contact Dana and have her push NSA to investigate this angle immediately."
(End of Chapter)
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