Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images
As the holiday season approaches, New Jersey officials are reminding the public to follow safety precautions and be alert to potential threats. The state’s Homeland Security officials say there are no credible threats amid the ongoing Israel/Hamas war, but they note there has been a recent uptick in suspicious activity reports at houses of worship. The agency says the best defense is an attentive public, adding that units with a 24/7 Counterterrorism Watch Desk stand ready to respond to any incidents.
The state government is encouraging people to remain vigilant, especially when attending services or participating in seasonal festivities and large gatherings. They are also asking people to report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement.
Meanwhile, officials are also urging online shoppers to be aware of the links they click and do everything possible to avoid a cyberattack. They advise consumers to use secure websites, avoid public Wi-Fi, and update their antivirus software. They also warn against phishing emails, fake coupons, and fraudulent charities that may try to steal personal or financial information.
They urge consumers to be careful and cautious when making online purchases and donations, and to report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the proper authorities.