Home New security bureau in US State Department

New security bureau in US State Department

April 04– On Monday, the US State Department launched a new cyber security outfit that will respond to the growing volume of nation-state backed cyber attacks. Dubbed the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP), the group will oversee new efforts to make digital protection a key component of US foreign policy.

This development reverses an effort made by the previous presidential administration that looked to consolidate diplomatic offices. The new bureau is expected to support a suite of diplomatic personnel who can speak to cyber threats, global internet freedom, surveillance risks and who can help guide the development of standards for emerging technologies.

CDP organizational structure

Within the CDP, three individual units will address divergent aspects of cyber security and threat management. The units are titled the International Cyberspace Security group, the International Information and Communications Policy group and the Digital Freedom group, said the State Department.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Jennifer Bachus, will oversee the department temporarily, until an Ambassador-at-Large is confirmed by the US Senate.

The “why” behind this move

In October, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the establishment of a new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy at the State Department; part of a continuous initiative to advance the agency so that it can more easily meet 21st century needs.

Elevating cyber security now

The world has watched as the geopolitical situation in Europe has worsened. Experts have expressed deep concerns around the potential for associated cyber attacks; both in Ukraine and abroad. Preventing cyber aggression requires a concerted effort on the part of government institutions, agencies, policy makers and the private sector.

For more information about efforts to prevent nation-state attacks, see CyberTalk.org’s past coverage. Lastly, to receive cutting-edge cyber security news, insights, best practices and analyses in your inbox each week, sign up for the CyberTalk.org newsletter.