US Intelligence Chief Warns Of ‘ever more diverse’ Threats

Russia’s efforts to expand its influence and China’s modernising military are among the “ever more diverse” threats facing the US, according to a major intelligence report released Tuesday 22nd January. The US National Intelligence Strategy report, issued every four years, also singles out such potential threats as North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, the growing Cyber Capabilities of US adversaries and global political instability.

The report, which sets out the priorities for the various agencies that make up the US intelligence community, notes that the United States "faces an increasingly complex and uncertain world in which threats are becoming ever more diverse and interconnected."

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats (pictured) said in a letter accompanying the report that the US agencies must adapt to respond to what he calls a "turbulent and complex" environment.

"We face significant changes in the domestic and global environment," Coats said. "We must be ready to meet the 21st century challenges and to recognise emerging threats and opportunities."

He said the intelligence community must improve cooperation among member agencies and foster more innovation. He also said agencies must do more to increase transparency to raise public trust in their work. The report does not rank the threats, but the first section is devoted to the threat posed by “traditional adversaries” seeking to take advantage of the weakening of the post-World War II international order and increasingly isolationist tendencies in the West. 

“Russian efforts to increase its influence and authority are likely to continue and may conflict with US goals and priorities in multiple regions,” it says.

Coats also addressed his staff at the strategy's rollout, pledging that the intelligence community would not be dissuaded from "seeking the truth, and when we find the truth, speaking the truth." Coats said the 17-agency intelligence community plans to operate with greater transparency to earn and uphold the trust of policy makers and the American people.

Senior Intelligence officials at the strategy's unveiling did not address statements from President Donald Trump dismissing intelligence findings. Trump has expressed disregard for key intelligence findings regarding Russian influence in the 2016 election and Saudi Arabia's role in the killing of writer Jamal Khashoggi.

Speaking broadly, one senior director of national intelligence official said the push for greater transparency is part of an effort to restore trust with the American people following Edward Snowden's 2013 leak of classified US material about America's surveillance programs. 

Senior intelligence officials briefed journalists at the strategy's unveiling on condition they not be cited by name.
The 2019 National Intelligence Strategy report also discusses China’s modernisation of its military and pursuit of “predominance” in the Pacific region.

The strategy notes that both China and Russia continue to pursue anti-satellite weapons to weaken the US military and security. It also says the threat from hacking is growing as more adversaries acquire the technology to interfere with US computer systems.

Military Times

You Might Also Read: 

Darktrace Describe The Alarming Future AI Attack Scenario:

« Denmark's Maritime Cybersecurity Plan Highlights Financial Threats
Cyber Criminals Are Aiming At Business »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

Kualitatem

Kualitatem

Kualitatem Inc. is an independent software testing and information systems auditing company

HackLabs

HackLabs

HackLabs is a penetration testing company providing services for network security, web application security and social engineering testing.

ESNC

ESNC

ESNC’s vulnerability management and real-time SAP security monitoring solutions help largest corporations in the world to effectively prioritize SAP security tasks and secure their business.

Think Cyber Security (ThinkCyber)

Think Cyber Security (ThinkCyber)

ThinkCyber is a Tel Aviv-based Israeli company with a team of cybersecurity professionals who are experts in both information and operations technology.

Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime

Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime

The Council of Europe helps to protect societies worldwide from the threat of cybercrime through the Convention on Cybercrime.

CYSEC SA

CYSEC SA

Cysec is equipped to deliver agile security solutions for the most challenging IT infrastructures around the world.

Packetlabs

Packetlabs

Packetlabs specializes in penetration testing services and application security.

UM6P Ventures

UM6P Ventures

UM6P Ventures is an African based early-stage ventures firm operating two funds; a Digital Transformation fund and a Deeptech Ventures fund.

63 Moons Technologies (63MT)

63 Moons Technologies (63MT)

63 Moons Technologies is a world leader in providing next-generation technology ventures, innovations, platforms, and solutions.

OpenAI

OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

LetsData

LetsData

LetsData uses AI to provide governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and businesses with data-empowered decisions on communication in the age of online disinformation.

BBS Technology

BBS Technology

BBS Technology is a company that develops and delivers next-generation cyber security technologies worldwide.

RightSec

RightSec

RightSec is an emerging market leader and solution provider for cybersecurity and digital resiliency. We provide end to end solutions to suit your specific business lifecycle.

Downdetector

Downdetector

Downdetector helps people all over the world understand disruptions to vital services such as the internet, social media, web hosting platforms, banks, games, entertainment, and more.

Hiya

Hiya

Hiya's mission is to secure voice with trust, identity and intelligence. We're protecting people from spam and fraud calls, and helping carriers secure their networks for all.

EVVO LABS

EVVO LABS

EVVO Labs empower your business with the latest IT capabilities to get you ahead of your competitors. We are experts at converging technologies to build your digital transformation.