A new Cybersecurity Unit at the Justice Department will act as legal advisors for the growing number of cyber crime investigations cropping up worldwide.
The new unit — slated to begin operating immediately — will be under the department's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), part of the Criminal Division.
"A tool that has become so vital to families, consumers, businesses and governments was also bound to become a target for criminals," Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said during a cyber crime event Dec. 4. "Not surprisingly, cyber criminals are taking advantage of the same advances in technology to perpetrate more complex and extensive crimes."
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Though DOJ already has a number of divisions focused on cyber crime, including CCIPS, "Given the growing complexity and volume of cyber attacks, as well as the intricate rubric of laws and investigatory tools needed to thwart the attacks, the Cybersecurity Unit will play an important role in this field," Caldwell said.
Namely, the new unit will serve as legal experts on electronic surveillance and cyber investigations for domestic and international law enforcement efforts.
While the Cybersecurity Unit will be focused on crimes affecting U.S. citizens and businesses, the global nature of the Internet means investigators often need to coordinate with agencies abroad.
"We are engaging in larger, international law enforcement operations to target criminals around the globe," Caldwell said. "And we are acting up front to stop the harm that these cyber criminals are causing, even before we can get them into custody."
The Cybersecurity Unit will be staffed by more than 20 CCIPS attorneys, led by Computer Crime Team Deputy Chief Michael Stawasz.
The unit's leadership will also include Leonard Bailey, special counsel for National Security at DOJ, and Al Rees, senior counsel at CCIPS.
