Ex-NSA leaders say Americans are becoming 'numb' to cyber threats

""I think we've become numb to it," said retired Gen. Paul Nakasone, who served as director of Cyber Command and NSA from 2018 to 2024. He emphasized the overwhelming scale of cyber intrusions and the imbalance in keeping up with adversaries, including ransomware and deepfakes."

""I think for society, we are just becoming so numb to this," said Adm. Mike Rogers. He pointed out that the acceptance of cyber threats is becoming a norm, as society has not experienced a level of trauma that would drive significant behavioral change."

""I would definitely say we have not achieved deterrence," Rogers stated. He observed that while the private sector is focused on cybersecurity, there is still a lack of effective policy and societal response to the ongoing cyber threats."

American society is becoming numb to major cyberattacks, with former NSA and Cyber Command leaders expressing concern over the lack of a hardline strategy to deter foreign adversaries. Retired Gen. Paul Nakasone noted the scale of intrusions is overwhelming, while Adm. Mike Rogers emphasized that society is accepting cyber threats as a cost of digital living. Recent incidents, including breaches linked to foreign hackers, highlight the inadequate response to these threats, indicating a failure to achieve deterrence in cybersecurity.

Read at Nextgov.com