MITRE Introduces AADAPT Cybersecurity Framework for Cryptocurrency

McLean, Va., and Bedford, Mass., July 14, 2025 – MITRE has launched AADAPT™ (Adversarial Actions in Digital Asset Payment Technologies), a cybersecurity framework aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in digital financial systems such as cryptocurrency.

Emulating the structure of the MITRE ATT&CK® framework, AADAPT provides developers, policymakers, and financial organizations with a structured methodology for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks associated with digital asset payments. By using insights derived from real-world attacks as cited by more than 150 sources from government, industry, and academia, the AADAPT framework identifies adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures linked to digital asset payment technologies, including consensus algorithms and smart contracts.

"Digital payment assets like cryptocurrency are set to transform the future of global finance, but their security challenges cannot be ignored," said Wen Masters, vice president of cyber technologies at MITRE. "With AADAPT, MITRE is empowering stakeholders to adopt robust security measures that not only safeguard their assets but also build trust across the ecosystem."

The increasing reliance on cryptocurrencies has brought about sophisticated cyber threats, including double-spending attacks, phishing schemes, and ransomware incidents that impact businesses, governments, and individual users. Smaller organizations, local governments, and municipalities are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the resources to enhance their cybersecurity measures. AADAPT seeks to address these disparities by providing practical guidance and tools tailored to the unique needs of this financial market segment.

Through its public-private partnerships and mission-driven innovation, MITRE strives to advance cybersecurity measures that address national and global challenges. MITRE has provided expert advice to multiple federal agencies and U.S. policymakers that seek to better understand rapidly changing technology developments across the full spectrum of digital assets, from cryptocurrencies to stablecoins and non-fungible tokens. To learn more about the AADAPT framework, visit https://aadapt.mitre.org, contact aadapt@mitre.org, or watch the AADAPT webinar hosted by the Linux Foundation.

About MITRE

MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to driving solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges. As a not-for-profit research and development organization, MITRE’s staff leverage our unique multi-sponsor vantage point, systems expertise, and innovative solutions to ensure the health, prosperity, and security of our nation.

Media Contact:  Lisa Fasold, media@mitre.org