The FBI plays two
very important roles in cyberspace. First, it is the lead law enforcement
agency for investigating cyber attacks by foreign adversaries and terrorists.
The potential damage to the United States’national security from
a cyber-based attack includes devastating interruptions of critical communications,
transportation, and other services. Additionally, such attacks could
be used to access and steal protected information and plans. The FBI
also works to prevent criminals, sexual predators, and others intent
on malicious destruction from using the Internet and on-line services
to steal from, defraud, and otherwise victimize citizens, businesses,
and communities. The mission of the
Cyber Division is to:
- coordinate, supervise
and facilitate the FBI's investigation of those federal violations
in which the Internet, computer systems, or networks are exploited
as the principal instruments or targets of terrorist organizations,
foreign government sponsored intelligence operations, or criminal activity
and for which the use of such systems is essential to that activity;
- form and maintain
public/private alliances in conjunction with enhanced education and
training to maximize counterterrorism, counter-intelligence, and law
enforcement cyber response capabilities; and
- until such time
as a final decision is made regarding the future role and location
of the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC), the FBI will
direct and coordinate the Center's mission to protect the Nation's
critical information infrastructure and other key assets.
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