U.S. State Department Creates A New Dedicated Cybersecurity Office
Table of Contents
- By David Lukic
- Published: Nov 09, 2021
- Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022
The U.S. State Department is creating a new bureau of cyberspace and digital policy as part of an overall strategy to confront global cybersecurity challenges such as phishing and ransomware attacks. The strategy is the latest in a series of moves the Biden administration has made to respond to international cybersecurity issues, including cyberattacks on U.S. government networks, election interference, and intellectual property theft.
What is the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy?
The U.S. Department of State will create a Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, led by a Senate-confirmed ambassador-at-large, to enhance its cybersecurity diplomacy efforts, according to the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken on Wednesday officially announced the establishment of the new cyber bureau at the state department to help tackle critical, cyber and emerging technology diplomatic issues with the support of Congress.
The plan to beef up resources to tackle international cybersecurity challenges came after the State Department completed an extensive review of cyberspace and emerging technology.
The State Department's bureau and special envoy will be a part of a wider collaborative effort that includes officials in cybersecurity agencies.
- Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology.
- Chris Inglis, the nation's first-ever national cyber director who will coordinate and work to unify cross-sector cyber strategy.
- Jen Easterly, cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency director charged with securing government networks and critical infrastructure for the nascent DHS agency
- Gen. Paul Nakasone, who heads U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency and will work to prevent and eradicate threats to U.S. national security systems.
"Both the head of the new bureau and the new special envoy will report to Deputy Secretary [Wendy] Sherman for at least the first year,"
Blinken confirmed.
Why was it Created?
The announcement comes as hackers and other malicious actors backed by foreign governments continue to attack U.S. technology systems to steal sensitive and confidential information.
The new structure is a response to a challenging global threat landscape and will provide greater leadership and accountability to drive the global diplomatic agenda.
These changes emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to dealing with cyber threats and modernizing American diplomacy. The mandate of the office is to fight back against disinformation, stand up for internet freedom, and reduce the misuse of surveillance technology with the intention to make sure technology works for democracy.
The State Department also plans to hire individuals with expertise in science and technology in order to address these emerging threats.
How will this Improve Cyber Security Efforts?
The U.S. has a major stake in shaping the ongoing digital revolution in order to make sure that it serves the people, protects necessary interests, boosts competitiveness and upholds American values.
The new bureau’s aim is to tackle issues relating to cyber threats, global internet freedom, and surveillance risks while working with democratic allied nations to set international norms and standards on emerging technologies.
The development of the new bureau is among a number of other steps laid out by Blinken that are intended to help modernize the State Department, and several key bipartisan lawmakers have applauded the move since the announcement.
A request has already been sent to Congress to grant a 50 percent increase in the agency’s IT budget, in order to prioritize workforce diversity and strengthen domestic diplomacy efforts.
