Overview[]
The FBI Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. coordinates investigations in which networks or computers are exploited as instruments in criminal activity or as targets. High priority is given to investigations that involve terrorist organizations or intelligence operations sponsored by foreign governments.
| “ | The Cyber Division priorities in rank order are: (a) cyber intrusions (b) child sexual exploitation; (c) intellectual property rights; and (d) internet fraud.[1] | ” |
The FBI trains and certifies computer forensics examiners who work in FBI field offices to recover and preserve digital evidence. The FBI maintains a computer forensics laboratory in Washington, D.C. for advanced data recovery and for research and development. Most FBI field offices also have specialized cyber squads called Cyber Action Teams (CATS) which provide expert assistance to law enforcement and aid cybercrime investigations.
Cybercrimes[]
The FBI Cyber Division:
- Investigates violations of U.S. laws related to cybercrime.
- Posts legal attachés to U.S. embassies to serve as the FBI’s representatives.
- Establishes bilateral and multilateral relationships with foreign countries to cooperate on cybercrime investigations; chairs the Strategic Alliance Cyber Crime Working Group, a multilateral effort with close U.S. allies to improve law enforcement cooperation.
- Leads an international task force related to the Innocent Images National Initiative designed to combat the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography and online predators.
- Provides agency personnel to foreign law enforcement agencies to provide support to cybersecurity-related investigations and foster law enforcement relations.
- Leads ICANN international meetings and Regional Internet Registry meetings to ensure Internet service providers and Regional Internet Registries are aware of law enforcement requirements with regard to the DNS. Introduced, along with the UK Serious Organized Crime Agency, LE Registrar Accreditation Agreement and Due Diligence proposal before the ICANN Governmental Advisory Board and ICANN Board of Directors at the ICANN meeting in Seoul, Korea.
- Provides cybercrime investigation training to foreign students via International Law Enforcement Academies.