When you go online, whether to check your bank account, order groceries, or scroll social media, you are relying on systems that are constantly under attack. Hackers do not just go after big agencies and companies. They look for weak spots that can reach anyone who owns a phone, computer, or smart device.
That is why the United States set up a program in 2016 called Automated Indicator Sharing, or AIS. It was designed as an early warning system where government and private companies share information about the latest hacks, phishing tricks, and malware. If one group spots a new tactic, the alert is shared quickly with others so they can defend themselves.
But according to a new report from the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General, released September 26, 2025, this system may be in trouble. The law that created it, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, expires on September 30, 2025. And CISA, the agency in charge, has not finalized a plan to keep AIS running after that date. You can read the full report here: https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-09/OIG-25-46-Sep25.pdf
Here is why that matters to you:
- Less Sharing, More Risk. Nearly 90 percent of the alerts in 2024 came from just one private company. If that company pulls out, the warning system could dry up fast.
- Fewer Players at the Table. The number of groups using AIS has dropped by 65 percent since 2020. That means fewer eyes spotting cyberattacks before they spread.
- Uncertain Future. Without a clear plan, the system could lose funding or priority. That would leave government networks, businesses, and your data more exposed to hacks.
CISA says it wants to keep the program going and is working on a new strategy. But the report makes it clear that unless leadership sets a plan, the nation’s cyber defenses could weaken right as threats are growing.
For the average person, this can sound technical. But here is the bottom line: when cyber threat sharing breaks down, attacks reach closer to home. That can mean more scams in your inbox, more breaches at companies you trust with your personal information, and longer recovery times when things go wrong.
Takeaway: What You Can Do Now
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account
- Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible
- Keep your devices and apps updated
- Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information
This report is not about Washington. It is about daily life. Here in Arizona, where small businesses, schools, and families depend on safe networks every single day, strong cyber defenses make the difference between a quick warning that stops a threat and a silent attack that hits home.
