State Department Launches New Cybersecurity Bureau...

The State Department has announced the launch of a brand new bureau dedicated to making cybersecurity a part of US foreign policy.

Called the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy is specifically designed to focus on cyber threats, global internet freedom, and surveillance risks.

The new bureau was first announced in October of last year by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during an interview with National Public Radio's Ailsa Chang. (You can listen to the interview here: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049796971/secretary-of-state-blinken-announces-a-new-bureau-for-cyber-policy)

The creation of the bureau was led by a bipartisan effort. The new bureau head will be appointed by the president and hold the level of ambassador.

In a recent press release (read here: https://www.state.gov/establishment-of-the-bureau-of-cyberspace-and-digital-policy/) the State Department said the new office will include three specific policy units:

• International Cyberspace Security
• International Information and Communication Policy
• Digital Freedom

Information is still rather scarce regarding the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and no bureau head has been nominated or appointed. We'll let you know when we know more.