Lone-wolf terror attacks have changed significantly in recent years, reflecting the influence of Islamic State (ISIS) militants, says President Barack Obama's counterterrorism adviser.
Speaking at an event hosted by Atlantic Media on Wednesday night, Lisa Monaco, Homeland Security adviser to the president, cited the
deadly showdown with a gunman in Australia Monday, saying the ways in which individuals are becoming radicalized have changed with the rise of ISIS,
The Hill reports.
Monaco also said the U.S. government is still trying to figure out how to counter the media operation of ISIS, which is also known as ISIL.
"Now, with the evolution, the proliferation, and frankly the prowess that a group like ISIL is making of the social media platform — that has altered the lone wolf, or the homegrown violent extremist, or the lone actor threat that we face in ways that I think we’re just beginning to understand," she said.
Monaco noted in the past, someone might turn radical after viewing videos or reading al-Qaida's English-language magazine. Now, radicalization is a less passive process, she said, The Hill reports.
The Australia siege, in which the Iran-born gunman was killed, along with two hostages he held at a cafe, raised questions about whether it was a "lone wolf" attack inspired by calls from militant groups like ISIS.
Earlier this month, when a woman in the United Arab Emirates fatally stabbed an American teacher, Abu Dhabi officials partially blamed the slaying on the influence of radical Islamists.
Former Deputy Director of the CIA Michael Morell said Monday the United States should expect lone wolf attacks within the next year.
Monaco also said the counterterrorism movement has taken note of the recent hack attack against Sony Pictures over the movie "The Interview."
Sony on Wednesday pulled the movie from its Dec. 25 theatrical release.
"I personally think we need to learn the lessons that we have gained from a decade plus of counterterrorism improvement," she said, adding she hoped the counterterrorism community would become more adept at handling cyber threats.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.