FBI cyber chief warns private firms lag in sharing threat data

FBI cyber division assistant director Brett Leatherman told reporters on Wednesday that the agency continues to receive insufficient cyber‑threat information from private‑sector partners, a shortfall he says hampers the bureau’s ability to investigate and prevent attacks.

Leatherman said many companies are reluctant to share data because they operate on mistaken assumptions about how the FBI will handle the information they provide, citing concerns over potential legal exposure or the confidentiality of proprietary systems.

He emphasized that the FBI has established protocols designed to protect shared intelligence, pointing to existing information‑sharing platforms and the bureau’s role as a trusted clearinghouse for cyber‑incident reports.

The warning comes amid a wave of high‑profile ransomware, supply‑chain compromises and other cyber incidents that often span multiple organizations, underscoring the need for coordinated defensive measures.

Industry analysts note that clearer guidance and more transparent communication about data usage could ease corporate hesitations, and the FBI has indicated plans to increase feedback loops with contributors and to clarify the safeguards in place.

Leatherman concluded that narrowing the trust gap between law‑enforcement and the private sector is essential for bolstering national cyber resilience, but acknowledged that achieving broader participation will require sustained outreach and reassurance.