Cybercrime Outpaces Nation-State Attacks | The Register
- Reduced federal cybersecurity capabilities could leave businesses and critical infrastructure more vulnerable to financially motivated cyberattacks.
- organizations, the threat of cybercrime, notably ransomware and business email compromise, far outweighs the danger posed by nation-state actors, according to Michael Daniel, former White House cybersecurity coordinator.
- While acknowledging that China remains a significant cyber threat, Daniel emphasized the need to address a broader range of adversaries, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and various cybercriminal...
Cybercrime, driven by ransomware and email compromise, now eclipses nation-state attacks for most US organizations, warns former white House advisor Michael Daniel. He highlights that federal cuts will weaken cybersecurity efforts. Daniel urges increased support for state and local governments to combat the growing cybercrime threat.Stay informed with News Directory 3. Discover what steps are being taken to disrupt criminal networks.
Cybercrime Poses Greater Threat Than Nation-State Attacks Amid US Security Cuts
Updated May 25, 2025
For most U.S. organizations, the threat of cybercrime, notably ransomware and business email compromise, far outweighs the danger posed by nation-state actors, according to Michael Daniel, former White House cybersecurity coordinator. Daniel, now head of the Cyber Threat Alliance, also warned that recent federal government staff reductions will hinder the fight against these digital threats.
While acknowledging that China remains a significant cyber threat, Daniel emphasized the need to address a broader range of adversaries, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and various cybercriminal organizations. He noted that the scale of cybercrime far surpasses nation-state activities for many sectors, though tech firms also face intellectual property theft risks.
Daniel expressed concern that budget cuts, especially at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and sector-risk management agencies, will negatively impact national cybersecurity. These agencies, responsible for coordinating cybersecurity efforts across critical infrastructure sectors, are already stretched thin, he said.
“We cannot take our eyes off, or should not take our eyes off, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or the large number of cyber criminal organizations that are out there,” Michael Daniel, Cyber Threat Alliance said.
What’s next
Daniel advocates for increased federal assistance to state and local governments, as well as healthcare organizations, to bolster their defenses against ransomware and other cyberattacks. He also calls for continued efforts to disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem and pressure countries that harbor cybercriminals, particularly Russia.