MITRE Introduces AADAPT Framework for Cybersecurity in Digital Financial Systems
MITRE has recently unveiled the Adversarial Actions in Digital Asset Payment Technologies (AADAPT) framework, designed to address vulnerabilities in digital financial systems, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency. This new framework offers a structured approach for developers, policymakers, and financial organizations to identify, analyze, and mitigate potential risks associated with digital asset payments.
Insights from Real-World Attacks
The AADAPT framework, launched on July 14, draws insights from over 150 sources, including government, industry, and academia, to address adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures related to digital asset payment technologies such as consensus algorithms and smart contracts.
Cyber Threats in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency faces various cyber threats, including double-spending attacks, phishing schemes, and ransomware incidents that can impact businesses, governments, and individual users. MITRE highlights the vulnerability of smaller organizations, local governments, and municipalities that often lack resources to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
Empowering Stakeholders with AADAPT
MITRE’s VP of cyber technologies, Wen Masters, emphasizes the importance of addressing security challenges in digital payment assets like cryptocurrency. AADAPT aims to empower stakeholders to adopt robust security measures that not only protect their assets but also foster trust across the ecosystem.
Complementary to MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Modeled after the MITRE ATT&CK framework, AADAPT’s tactics and techniques are designed to complement those in ATT&CK, providing a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity in digital financial systems.
Rise in Cryptocurrency Thefts
In July 2025, cybersecurity firm CertiK reported a significant increase in cryptocurrency thefts, totaling $2.47 billion in scams, hacks, and exploits in the first half of the year. The surge was fueled by a high-profile hack on cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, resulting in the theft of $1.4 billion in cryptocurrency, attributed to the state-sponsored North Korean APT group, Lazarus.