FBI To Get More Cyber Crime Agents

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/government/232300860

By Mathew J. Schwartz
InformationWeek
December 20, 2011

The FBI is set to receive more cyber special agents.

According to the draft of the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and 
Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for 2012, released 
earlier this month, the bureau will see increased funding for a number 
of types of investigations, including computer intrusions and cyber 
investigations.

That's important, because when it comes to computer 
intrusions--including foreign intelligence operations that pose a 
national security threat--"the FBI is in a unique position to counter 
cyber threats, as it is the only agency with the statutory authority, 
expertise, and ability to combine counterterrorism, counterintelligence, 
and criminal resources to neutralize, mitigate, and disrupt illegal 
computer-supported operations domestically," according to the House 
committee's appropriations bill.

Accordingly, the committee has recommended that the FBI be granted its 
full cyber-investigation budget request of $166.5 million, which is an 
increase of 13% from 2011. That will help the bureau fund 42 new 
positions, including 14 new special agents with cyber expertise, to 
"further the FBI's investigatory, intelligence gathering, and 
technological capabilities."

[...]


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