Washington, – The Trump administration has taken a significant shift in its cybersecurity policy, no longer publicly identifying Russia as a major cyber threat to U.S. national security. This departure from past intelligence assessments has raised alarms among experts who warn that it could leave the country vulnerable to cyberattacks.
A Shift in U.S. Cybersecurity Policy
Recent events suggest that the U.S. government is deliberately avoiding mention of Russia when discussing cyber threats. Liesyl Franz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cybersecurity at the State Department, addressed a United Nations working group last week, naming China and Iran as cybersecurity threats—but conspicuously omitting Russia. This is a stark contrast to previous U.S. assessments, which have consistently identified Russia as a major cyber adversary.
Furthermore, Franz failed to mention the Russia-based LockBit ransomware group, which has been labeled the world’s most prolific ransomware operator. In past discussions, U.S. representatives at the UN had explicitly called out LockBit’s activities, but this time, the administration remained silent on the issue.
Behind Closed Doors: Russian Cyber Threats No Longer a Priority
Beyond public statements, internal policy changes at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicate a broader shift. A recent internal memo outlining CISA’s revised priorities made no mention of Russia. Previously, Russian cyber activities were a major focus, but analysts have now reportedly been instructed not to follow or report on Russian threats.
A source familiar with the situation stated, “Russia and China are our biggest cyber adversaries. But with the cuts happening across agencies, cybersecurity personnel are being laid off, leaving our systems exposed. Our enemies know this.” The source added, “People are saying Russia is winning. Putin is on the inside now.”
Concerns from Cybersecurity Experts
Experts in cybersecurity have reacted with shock and concern. James Lewis, a former cybersecurity specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, criticized the omission of Russia from U.S. threat assessments. “It’s incomprehensible to give a speech about cybersecurity threats and not mention Russia,” he said. “They still see the U.S. as their enemy. Pretending otherwise won’t change that.”
A former member of U.S. intelligence task forces dedicated to combating Russian cyber threats called the move “truly shocking.” According to the source, Russia maintains multiple state-sponsored hacker groups that actively target U.S. infrastructure, government agencies, and private companies. “There are thousands of government employees and military personnel working daily to counter the Russian cyber threat,” the source said. “Downplaying this reality is reckless.”
Russia’s History of Cyber Warfare
The American intelligence community has been warning about Russia's cyber capabilities for years. According to a 2024 intelligence study, Russia was a "persistent worldwide cyber threat" that may interfere with American infrastructure. Moscow has been charged with conducting espionage operations, targeting vital industries, and using cyberattacks as a tool for foreign policy leverage.
The Trump administration's hesitation to recognize Russian cyberthreats is consistent with its more general diplomatic approach. Further demonstrating a change in strategy, the U.S. recently joined Russia in voting against a UN resolution denouncing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
The Future of U.S. Cybersecurity
The recent changes in cybersecurity policy raise critical questions about America’s readiness to counter cyber threats. With the removal of Russia from official discussions, experts worry that the U.S. may be turning a blind eye to an active and persistent adversary.
“The U.S. has always identified Russia, China, and Iran as leading cyber threats,” said cybersecurity expert Scott Horton. “Seeing the U.S. suddenly erase Russia’s role is shocking, but not surprising given the administration’s recent approach toward Moscow.”
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity remains a national security priority. However, with the Trump administration’s evolving stance, many fear that U.S. systems may become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The question remains: Is the U.S. prepared to defend itself if Russia decides to exploit these policy shifts?
For now, the global cybersecurity community remains on high alert, watching closely as the U.S. recalibrates its priorities in the digital battlefield.
