Federal leaders and the general population view cyberattacks as the top threat facing the US. Both groups agree that the top priorities are counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and intelligence capabilities, although they differ on the ranking. Younger age groups are more concerned about cyberattacks and climate change than older groups. While natural disasters are a low concern, most believe terrorism and cyberattacks will remain the top threats over the next 15 years, and people feel safer about the future threats.

1. Homeland Threats: Today and Tomorrow
On the 15th Anniversary of September 11, respondents
share views on current and future threats
© 2016 Market Connections, Inc.
78% 56%
View cyberattacks as a threat
federal
leaders
general
population
CYBERATTACKS
TOP THREAT
Differing Levels of Concern
general populationfederal leaders
Limited Concern for
Natural Disasters
13% 20%
Neither federal leaders nor
the public prioritize natural
disasters as a threat
national security
general populationfederal leaders
maintaining/increasing
counter terrorism and
special ops
preventing
cyberattacks
increasing intelligence,
surveillance and
reconnaissance capabilities
Top Three Priorities
Federal leaders and general
population AGREE on
top priorities, DIFFER on order
38%
25%
12%
40%
12%
21%
1
2
3
TERRORISM AND CYBERATTACKS RANKED
TOP THREATS
Among Federal Leaders and General Population
AGE SHOWS CONTRAST IN CONCERN
Age groups differ on level of cyberattack and global
warming-related threat
65-older55-6445-5435-4418-34
51%
41%
52%
53% 53% 59%
54%
42%
32%
45%
2031
cyberattacks global warming related threats
2031 TOP THREATS
66% 61%53%72%
2031
terrorism
c
yberattack
s
Terrorism and Cyberattacks STILL Believed to be
TOP TWO THREATS
78% 56%76%84%
terrorism
c
yberattack
s
In 2031 will we feel more or less safe
than we do today?
FEEL MORE SAFE IN THE FUTURE
2031