The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has taken a proactive step in tackling the escalating cybersecurity threats posed by nation-state actors by establishing a new division called the National Security Cyber Section, or NatSec Cyber. This dedicated team of cybercrime lawyers will collaborate closely with the DoJ Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Cyber Division to swiftly respond to and prosecute cyberattacks carried out by state-sponsored cybercriminals.
The creation of the NatSec Cyber division follows a series of high-profile cyberattacks targeting US interests, including the ongoing ransomware attacks launched by the Russian group Cl0P through exploiting the MOVEit file transfer zero-day flaw. Additionally, there has been a surge in cyber espionage attacks originating from China, such as the recent Volt Typhoon cyberattacks.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division expressed his confidence in the establishment of NatSec Cyber, stating that it would provide the necessary resources and organizational structure to effectively address cybersecurity threats. In a formal statement, Olsen highlighted the significance of this new division, explaining that it would enable the National Security Division (NSD) to scale up and expedite disruption campaigns and prosecutions against nation-state threat actors, state-sponsored cybercriminals, money launderers affiliated with cyber operations, and other cyber-enabled threats to national security.
By centralizing the response to cyber threats from nation-state actors, the NatSec Cyber division aims to enhance the efficiency, coordination, and speed at which such attacks are dealt with. This approach recognizes the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for specialized expertise in this area. The united efforts of the DoJ’s cybercrime lawyers, CCIPS, and the FBI’s Cyber Division will furnish the United States with a formidable arsenal against these cyber adversaries.
The creation of NatSec Cyber demonstrates the DoJ’s commitment to safeguarding national security in the face of an increasingly complex cyber landscape. Cyberattacks from state-sponsored actors have evolved into sophisticated operations that exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, manipulate computer systems, and steal sensitive information. The consequences of these attacks can be severe, impacting not only government agencies but also private organizations and individuals.
To counter this threat, the NatSec Cyber division will equip the DoJ with the necessary capabilities to disrupt and prosecute cybercriminals effectively. By focusing on nation-state threat actors and their associated networks, the division aims to dismantle the infrastructure fueling these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The establishment of NatSec Cyber also signifies the recognition of the interconnectedness between cyber operations and other illicit activities, such as money laundering. By targeting not only the cybercriminals themselves but also those facilitating the financial aspects of their operations, the DoJ aims to weaken the nexus between cybercrime and its financial support system, thereby curbing the effectiveness of these attacks.
In conclusion, the creation of the National Security Cyber Section within the US Department of Justice highlights the growing urgency to address the escalating cybersecurity threats posed by nation-state actors. Through enhanced collaboration and specialized expertise, the DoJ aims to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks on national security. The establishment of NatSec Cyber represents a significant step forward in the fight against cybercriminals and reinforces the commitment of the United States to protect its interests in the digital realm.