NJOHSP Releases 2022 Threat Assessment

March 31, 2022 – Press Release

HAMILTON, NJ­ – Today, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness released its 2022 Threat Assessment. This 14th annual assessment analyzes the State’s threat landscape to guide counterterrorism, cybersecurity and resiliency efforts in the year ahead.

The assessment details activities from homegrown violent extremists, domestic extremists and foreign terrorist organizations, in addition to highlighting cybersecurity and critical infrastructure threats.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and instances of civil unrest over the past few years exacerbated a threat landscape that continues to grow more diverse and innovative,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie R. Doran. “Just as domestic and international extremists adapt their operations to an ever-changing environment, homeland security and law enforcement professionals must also enhance their strategies to combat these threats. My office’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities throughout New Jersey is driven by intelligence development and information sharing capabilities.”

2022 NJOHSP Threat Assessment Overview

• Homegrown violent extremists and white racially motivated extremists remain the most prominent threats to New Jersey in 2022.
• Anarchist, anti-abortion, anti-government, black racially motivated, militia and sovereign citizen extremists comprise domestic moderate threats. Domestic extremists are expected to return to pre-pandemic operating norms, shifting their focus to local expansion, participating in demonstrations and engaging in low-level criminal activity.
• Foreign terrorist organizations will likely pose a low threat to New Jersey; however, they remain dedicated to combating the United States and exploiting global events to encourage HVEs to attack the Homeland and support efforts overseas.
• Cyber attacks affected organizations, government agencies, businesses and private citizens in New Jersey throughout 2021. Ransomware, credential theft and social engineering remain the top cyber threats.
• Foreign actors are expected to focus on critical infrastructure by committing theft, conducting cyber intrusions and engaging in talent recruitment to steal intellectual property from or otherwise negatively impact private-sector entities.

‘See Something, Say Something’

Following the assessment’s release, NJOHSP continues to emphasize the importance of the “See Something, Say Something” message.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity should immediately report it to local law enforcement or NJOHSP’s Counterterrorism Watch Desk by calling 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or emailing tips@njohsp.gov.

For more information and to view the 2022 Threat Assessment, visit https://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/analysis/2022-terrorism-threat-assessment.

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The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), a Cabinet-level agency, was created in 2006. The Director serves as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor, and is responsible for leading and coordinating the State’s counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness efforts while building resiliency throughout the State across all levels of government and the private sector. NJOHSP oversees and distributes discretionary State and federal homeland security and emergency preparedness funds on behalf of New Jersey. More information about NJOHSP can be found at www.njhomelandsecurity.gov.