This paper introduces a structured set of behavioral indicators designed to flag the progression of artificial intelligence systems toward potentially catastrophic threats. Drawing on proven practices from cybersecurity and national security, the framework defines measurable metrics, thresholds, and trigger conditions across four dimensions: capability growth, behavioral patterns, interaction scope, and autonomous decision‑making. Researchers can embed these indicators into continuous monitoring pipelines to track self‑improvement rates, alignment drift, and external resource access. Policymakers can use threshold‑based alerts to enact regulatory actions or command restrictions, enabling evidence‑based risk mitigation. The approach stresses interdisciplinary collaboration, data sharing, and transparent reporting to provide actionable defense layers amid rapid AI advancement.
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