In face of hack attacks, U.S. State Department to set up cyber bureau
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[October 26, 2021]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S.
State Department plans to establish a bureau of cyberspace and digital
policy in the face of a growing hacking problem, specifically a surge of
ransomware attacks on U.S. infrastructure.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price said a Senate-confirmed
ambassador at large will lead the bureau.
Hackers have struck numerous U.S. companies this year.
One such attack on pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline led to temporary
fuel supply shortages on the U.S. East Coast. Hackers also targeted an
Iowa-based agricultural company, sparking fears of disruptions to
Midwest grain harvesting.
Two weeks ago the Treasury Department said suspected ransomware payments
totaling $590 million were made in the first six months of this year. It
put the cryptocurrency industry on alert about its role fighting
ransomware attacks.
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![](../images/102621pics/news_o29.jpg)
State Department spokesman Ned Price speaks at the State Department
in Washington, DC, U.S. August 18, 2021. Andrew Harnik/Pool via
REUTERS
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Price said the State Department will also establish a
new special envoy for critical and emerging technology "to lead the
immediate technology diplomacy agenda".
(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Arshad Mohammed and Simon Lewis;
Editing by Howard Goller)
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