Source: Center for Internet Security
Criminal networks engaged in gang violence, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorist recruitment have rapidly adapted to the rise of digital technologies, transforming how they operate. This evolving threat landscape poses significant challenges for law enforcement, governments, and society as a whole. Malicious actors now leverage online platforms not just for illicit activities but to destabilize institutions and erode public trust.
These threats are no longer confined to cyberspace; they have real-world consequences. For instance, ransomware groups publicly shame non-paying victims on their websites, while human smugglers use social media to orchestrate large-scale illicit migration. As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, it’s crucial for nations and communities to stay ahead by developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate these emerging dangers.
How Threat Actors Exploit the Digital World
Criminals and malicious organizations are not just exploiting technology to conduct illegal activities—they're using it to manipulate societal trust and target critical institutions. From organized crime syndicates to state-sponsored actors, the interconnected nature of our world provides a fertile ground for these entities to amplify their operations.
For example, ransomware attacks have surged in recent years. In 2024, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines reported that attacks on U.S. healthcare systems nearly doubled in just one year. Beyond the immediate threat to critical sectors, these actors increasingly target U.S. election infrastructure, seeking to exploit social divisions and undermine democratic processes. Foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran, continue to use cyber intrusions and disinformation campaigns to weaken trust in U.S. institutions.
Additionally, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has introduced a new dimension to cybercrime. AI is enabling even low-skilled hackers to launch more effective cyber-attacks. According to cybersecurity experts, criminal and nation-state actors are already integrating AI into their operations, automating processes that were once labor-intensive.
Understanding the New Threat Environment
Two years ago, we launched an in-depth study to better understand how threat actors are leveraging the digital world to expand their reach. The goal was to identify gaps in the current defense strategies used by law enforcement and security agencies. Our findings revealed a rapidly evolving, multidimensional threat environment and highlighted the urgent need for a more coordinated and adaptive response.
In response, we developed the "National Framework for Action" to enhance the U.S. response to these threats. The framework focuses on four key pillars that can guide law enforcement and national security efforts in countering both cyber and physical threats that stem from online activity.
Four Pillars of the National Framework for Action
Pillar 1: Improving Analysis of Emerging Threats
A crucial first step is building a national infrastructure dedicated to analyzing and monitoring threats in real-time. This analytic clearinghouse would pool data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive assessments of evolving cyber threats. This information would enable law enforcement and security agencies to stay ahead of malicious actors and prevent or mitigate their impact. By fostering public-private partnerships, we can deepen our understanding of how criminal organizations and foreign adversaries use online platforms to achieve their objectives.
Pillar 2: Enhancing Information Sharing
To effectively respond to emerging threats, U.S. law enforcement and security agencies need better tools for sharing information. A national platform for information sharing would allow for the timely exchange of critical data on cyber incidents, geographic threat patterns, and active criminal activities. Integration between federal, state, and local authorities, as well as private sector organizations, is vital for addressing these dynamic threats.
Pillar 3: Educating and Empowering Communities
Local communities are often the first to encounter the consequences of multidimensional threats, whether through violence, illicit drug distribution, or disinformation campaigns. Building resilience at the community level is essential for mitigating these challenges. By strengthening partnerships between local governments, civil society, and national security organizations, we can empower communities to identify and counter new threats. Public awareness campaigns and community-based education initiatives are critical in this effort.
Pillar 4: Supporting Local Prevention Efforts
The final pillar emphasizes the importance of local prevention programs. By equipping local communities with the tools they need to conduct threat assessments and manage risks, we can prevent acts of violence or criminal activities before they occur. This requires a national commitment to providing resources, training, and multi-disciplinary strategies that address both the online and offline components of modern threats.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Threat Prevention
Addressing multidimensional threats in a connected world demands a unified response from all sectors of society. Governments, businesses, academia, community organizations, and even individual citizens play crucial roles in identifying, preventing, and responding to these challenges.
As technology continues to evolve, so will the methods used by threat actors. The increasing use of artificial intelligence and advanced computing by malicious actors requires a proactive approach. By implementing the strategies outlined in the National Framework for Action, we can safeguard our society from future threats and ensure that our institutions, businesses, and communities are resilient in the face of these complex, ever-changing dangers.
This call to action emphasizes the need for collaboration, adaptability, and comprehensive planning to protect against a new breed of multidimensional threats. Together, we can build a safer, more secure connected world.
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