State Department Approves Creation of Cyber Bureau – By Frank Konkel (Nextgov) / January 8 2021
The Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies Bureau will address national security- and diplomatic-related tech issues.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo approved the creation of a new bureau within the department to lead diplomatic efforts on cybersecurity and emerging technology issues.
According to a State Department announcement Thursday, the bureau stems from a “need to reorganize and resource America’s cyberspace and emerging technology security diplomacy” in response to national security threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and other actors.
The State Department notified Congress of its intent to create the bureau in June 2019, two years after then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced plans to close the department’s cyber coordinator office—which handled similar duties—and shift some of its responsibilities to the Bureau of Economic Affairs
“The CSET bureau will lead U.S. government diplomatic efforts on a wide range of international cyberspace security and emerging technology policy issues that affect U.S. foreign policy and national security, including securing cyberspace and critical technologies, reducing the likelihood of cyber conflict, and prevailing in strategic cyber competition,” the announcement said. “The secretary’s decision to establish CSET will permit the Department to posture itself appropriately and engage as effectively as possible with partners and allies on these pressing national security concerns.”
