Fraud Management & Cybercrime,
Government,
Industry Specific
Experts Anticipate Continued Collaboration Among International Law Enforcement
The post-election landscape raises questions about how the incoming administration under Donald Trump will address the pervasive issue of cybercrime and collaborate with international partners. Experts note that cybercriminals, particularly those affiliated with nation-states, present ongoing challenges for U.S. entities.
In the realm of cybercrime, the financial repercussions are significant. Ransomware, in particular, has been reported to generate over $1 billion annually, with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reporting a staggering $12.5 billion aggregate loss for victims in 2023 alone. Although many individuals do not report their experiences, the documented cases reflect the growing menace of cyber threats, including investment fraud and email scams—a 22% increase from the preceding year.
As Trump assumes office, the list of adversarial nations remains clear. “The primary actors in nation-state cyberattacks and shielding organized cybercriminal groups are Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran,” stated Chris Pierson, founder and CEO of BlackCloak. He expressed uncertainty about how the Biden administration’s robust stance on cybersecurity will be carried forward.
Historically, Trump’s approach to cyber policy includes the initiation of the revised National Cyber Strategy during his first term, which emphasized ensuring federal agencies possess the legal tools and resources necessary for targeting international cybercriminal activities. This includes dismantling botnets and other infrastructures that facilitate cybercrime operations.
While a proactive approach has been a military doctrine since 2018, experts have raised concerns about certain setbacks during Trump’s previous administration, such as the elimination of the cybersecurity coordinator position and a reduction in cyber diplomacy efforts. These strategies are crucial for neutralizing the safe havens that allow cybercriminal activities to flourish.
It remains to be seen if the U.S. will persist in its practice of publicly naming and shaming cybercriminals, a strategy aimed mainly at Russian actors. Ian Thornton-Trump, a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer, posits that a shift in focus towards China could occur, along with a potential decline in highlighting Russian criminal operations.
Furthermore, international partnerships remain vital. Cooperation among law enforcement entities across the globe has proven effective in tackling cyber threats. Jen Ellis, who advises the U.K. government on cybersecurity, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that no single nation can resolve the intricate problem of cybercrime alone.
Philip Ingram, a former British intelligence officer, echoed this sentiment, predicting that U.S. collaboration with allies such as the FBI, National Security Agency, and their U.K. counterparts will continue robustly irrespective of the political landscape.
Looking forward, tackling cybercrime will be essential, particularly considering the anticipated rise in organized cybercrime activities from Russian-based groups and increasing North Korean involvement. The cybersecurity landscape remains dynamic, and any significant incident could prompt swift changes in policy and response strategies.
In this evolving environment, the incoming administration’s stance on cyber priorities will undoubtedly shape the future of national and international efforts to combat cyber threats. As reiterated in Trump’s recent comments, the commitment to building a secure and prosperous America remains a paramount objective.
