The threat of nuclear war and terrorism "seems more manageable" than four national security challenges that stem from rapid, global technological development, according to U.S. National Security Agency general counsel Glenn Gerstell. 

Gerstell, who is stepping down later this year, detailed the security risks that concern him the most while speaking on Jan. 15 during an American Bar Association event in Washington, D.C. His speech was later posted on Lawfare. 

"The first challenge is surely China, an adversary and partner rolled into one. There isn't a better example of how technology knows no boundaries and how global technological development and trade produce complicated interdependencies," he said. 

While China and the U.S. are key trading partners, China has leveraged intellectual property theft to "rapidly rise to threaten not only our economic hegemony but also, at least in certain places around the globe, our military position," Gerstell added. 

Now, he said, U.S. intelligence agencies need to analyze and understand "almost every facet of economic activity" in China, from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to crop genetics and port logistics.

Gerstell, like many other observers, expects that global cyberattacks will get worse as new tech, such as 5G and AI, expands, which means the U.S. must update its antiquated approach to protecting the country from foreign cyber threats by implementing new policies.

Tech advancements also have upended the power balance between the public and private sector, the latter of which "will have more data about individuals and businesses than any government," Gerstell noted. 

"As technology makes national security more of a shared responsibility between government and the private sector, this will increase mutual reliance and introduce complications," he said. "And as the private sector assumes more responsibility, the public interest will require greater burdens and scrutiny placed on that sector's ability to perform, with restrictions on everything from data management to foreign supply chains."

Gerstell also addressed the threat of "foreign influence campaigns" on the internet, "where most Americans obtain their information." He warned that the spread of false information could erode public confidence in national security actions. 

"Finally, in laying out these problems, I do not by any means want to suggest we are doomed," he said. "I am, however, saying the time to act is now, before these powerful trends make it even more difficult to address the challenges. This will require thoughtful action across the executive branch, Congress, and the private sector." 

Read More: