Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy

Reflecting on Secretary Blinken's vision for a modernized U.S. Department of State it’s clear that technology is no longer just a foreign policy issue—it's the foundation upon which modern diplomacy operates. CDP's achievements over the past year demonstrate how the Department is turning this vision into reality. Here's what that looks like on the ground: ➡ 15 diplomats embedded in year-long fellowships ➡ Partnerships with 12 leading institutions nationwide ➡ 230+ diplomats trained in advanced cyber-digital tradecraft But numbers tell only part of the story. What's truly transformative is how we're building a nationwide network of tech expertise. Our diplomats aren't just learning about technology; they're immersing themselves in America's innovation hubs, to ensure diplomatic efforts reflects America's full tech ecosystem. By embedding our diplomats in diverse tech communities across America, from Stanford to Georgia Tech, we're ensuring our foreign policy reflects the full spectrum of U.S. innovation. This is the modernization agenda in action—investing in our people while building bridges across America's tech landscape. Secretary Blinken’s speech on modernizing American diplomacy underscored CDP’s vital role in reshaping how the Department approaches technology and foreign policy. Thank you, Secretary Blinken, for championing #DigitalSolidarity. We’re proud to be part of this transformation. Stream the remarks 🎥: https://lnkd.in/eDaicDXy

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month creeps to an end on Halloween, it’s a reminder that some of the most chilling threats aren’t the ones we can see. Cyber risks don’t vanish with the season, so let’s stay vigilant, keep our defenses strong, and stand together in digital solidarity. Building our cybersecurity capacity isn’t just a safeguard—it’s how we protect our shared digital future. No tricks, just a commitment to security.

We celebrated an exciting milestone at the inaugural Global Lessons event hosted by the Embassy of Costa Rica! Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Bachus discussed the vital role of #DigitialSolidarity in addressing today’s pressing challenges, especially in cybersecurity. PDAS Bachus joined the launch of the Global Lessons: Talk Series, set to kick off in December. This initiative aims to foster partnerships among countries in the Global South, emphasizing the need for shared knowledge and innovative solutions to tackle complex issues. Collaboration is key! By bringing together nations, public-private sectors, and civil society, we can pave the way for effective governance and enhanced security. Let’s work together to build horizontal partnerships that empower all countries to face shared challenges with confidence. A huge thank you to the Embassy of Costa Rica for their gracious invitation and for leading this important dialogue. We invite all of you to join in these conversations as we strive for a more secure and collaborative global future. Your insights and engagement are crucial as we embark on this journey together! #GlobalLessons #DigitalSolidarity #Cybersecurity

As #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth comes to a close, we reflect on the vital role of partnerships in ensuring a secure digital landscape. Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary Richard Verma spoke at the 4th Intl’ Counter Ransomware Initiative, where 68 global partners reaffirmed our joint commitment to disrupt the ransomware ecosystem, counter cybercrime, and strengthen global cyber defenses. On the second day of CRI, the U.S. announced sanctions against Evil Corp members and affiliates, underscoring our dedication to combating ransomware and securing our digital infrastructure. By holding bad actors accountable, we’re utilizing all tech diplomacy and law enforcement tools at our disposal to deny them safe haven. Furthermore, the Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware, now with 21 signatories, reflects our steadfast commitment to upholding human rights in cyberspace. The principle of digital solidarity guides our efforts, emphasizing that no nation can effectively address cyber threats alone. By building strong partnerships, we can implement policies and practices that protect our shared digital environment and promote responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Our commitment to collaboration with global partners is crucial in countering and responding to malicious cyber operations, cybercrime, and other digital threats while advancing human rights. Let’s continue to champion the values of cooperation and mutual support as we work toward a safer, more secure cyberspace for all. Together, we can face the challenges ahead! #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #DigitalSolidarity #TechDiplomacy

At this year’s Council on Foreign Relations Term Member Conference, Ambassador at Large Nathaniel Fick took center stage to discuss the future of #TechDiplomacy and the critical role of international collaboration in shaping our digital future. 🌍💻 During the Q&A, he emphasized the importance of #DigitalSolidarity, bringing together nations, public-private sectors, and civil society to address the complex challenges of today’s digital age. The path forward is clear: it requires collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures to shape a digital world that benefits everyone. Ambassador Fick underscored the importance of multilateral efforts to set global standards for emerging technologies and strengthen partnerships to close the digital divide. From emerging threats in #cyberspace to the transformative power of AI, the U.S. remains committed to ensuring that technology strengthens global security, promotes economic prosperity, and upholds human rights A big thank you to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) for inviting us! We look forward to continuing these conversations as we work toward building a more secure, resilient digital world. 🎥 Stream now: https://lnkd.in/eXGWEYKz

🌐 VSFS Interns Support the Mission for a Secure and Open Cyberspace! 🌐    We are thrilled to highlight the impactful work of our virtual interns at the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. These dedicated students are playing a crucial role in advancing U.S. cyber and digital policies on a global scale. Here’s a glimpse into their everyday work: Policy Advancement: Collaborating with U.S. diplomats to promote and implement cyber and digital policies worldwide. Strategic Initiatives:  Supporting the U.S. candidate for Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union.  Promoting global participation in Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Assisting in diplomatic campaigns to counter cyber adversaries. Advocating for technology that strengthens democracy and respects human rights. Content Creation: Drafting speeches, public statements, and social media content, and planning events to effectively reach key audiences. Research and Analysis: Conducting open-source research to support policy development and implementation.    For more information on the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, visit our website. https://lnkd.in/eRxfEwRk Thank you to our VSFS interns in supporting a secure, open, and reliable Internet for everyone around the world. 🌍💻 If you are a VSFS intern and would like to share your VSFS story, please see the “Intern Impact” link in our bio. 

We are thrilled to congratulate Ambassador Nathaniel Fick for being named one of the esteemed honorees in the 2024 CyberScoop 50 Awards as a Cybersecurity Visionary! This recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity both in the public and private sectors, and his leadership in promoting digital solidarity on a global scale. 🌐 Since its establishment in April 2022, CDP has focused on fostering collaboration, innovation, and security across borders, uniting nations in the fight against ransomware, and ensuring through CDP’s growing capacity-building efforts that all nations have the tools needed to foster economic growth. Through CDP’s work, Ambassador Fick champions the critical role of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving a secure digital future. From steering conversations on AI for sustainable development to advocating for the protection of critical infrastructure like undersea cables, the work being done across CDP under Ambassador Fick’s leadership with partners across the globe truly exemplifies the spirit of #DigitalSolidarity. Kudos to Ambassador Fick for this well-deserved honor! #CyberScoop50

At the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy in Milan, CDP Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Bachus led discussions on how governments can play a constructive role in safeguarding free speech while combating the spread of disinformation. Joined by leaders such as Albero Barachini, Undersecretary of State for Italy; Akis Skertsos, Minister of State for Greece; Kanbar Hossein-Bor, Deputy Director from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; Laura Bononcini, Director of Public Policy at Meta, and Paul-Joël Kamtchang, Executive Director of ADISI Cameroun, the panel explored how we can collectively strengthen the resilience of our information ecosystems. Her opening remarks set the tone: “Governments in democratic societies must remain at a distance from the information ecosystem, ensuring space for civil society, journalists, fact-checkers, and the private sector to foster open dialogue.” Jennifer also highlighted ongoing work with the OECD Information Integrity Hub, which the U.S. co-chairs with France. She pointed to key achievements like the OECD’s report “Facts not Fakes,” and the ongoing development of an OECD Council Recommendation on Information Integrity—a global effort to ensure transparent, pluralistic, and trustworthy information spaces. Our shared commitment to #DigitalSolidarity is about upholding the values that make democracies thrive. Together, we can address the risks posed to information integrity and strengthen democratic resilience worldwide.

"The era of technology presents both challenges and opportunities, reminding us that we are not powerless and we are not alone. By uniting in our efforts, we can shape a digital future that aligns with our values, ensuring a more secure, prosperous, and equitable world for all." – Ambassador Fick At Singapore International Cyber Week, Ambassador Fick delivered keynote remarks highlighting the essential role of global cooperation in addressing the complexities of the digital landscape. Fick emphasized the U.S. commitment to fostering an open and secure internet, where collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society is key. He pointed to successful initiatives like the U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialogue, which reinforces our dedication to building a trusted technology ecosystem that serves everyone. Through #DigitalSolidarity, we can amplify our collective efforts to tackle pressing issues like misinformation, cybersecurity risks, and global inequality. It’s imperative that we work together to ensure that the future of technology is secure and empowering.

Midway through #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, we are proud to highlight a key moment in advancing gender equality in cyberspace. The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) co-sponsors the WiC Fellowship, an inspiring initiative designed to increase women’s representation in United Nations negotiations on cyberspace. On September 11, the CDP was honored to attend the Women in International Security and Cyberspace (WiC) Breakfast, hosted by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) at their Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. This program empowers women to take on leading roles in shaping global cybersecurity policies. By investing in programs like WiC, we contribute to the broader effort of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion – key mission enablers - in international cybersecurity discussions. We are also helping to ensure that cybersecurity policy and best practices benefit from the inclusion of capable, diverse leaders from around the world. WiC demonstrates how collaboration and capacity building can open doors for underrepresented groups in the digital space, creating a more resilient, innovative and inclusive cyber future. As we continue celebrating #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, let’s continue to grow the cyber tent. #DigitalSolidarity #TechDiplomacy #CommunityEngagement