WASHINGTON – The Secret Service’s Cyber Investigations Advisory Board (CIAB), the agency’s Federal advisory committee, met on the sidelines of the NATO Summit July 9, 2024, to continue its work in providing outside strategic guidance to shape the Secret Service’s efforts in countering cybercrime.
The CIAB toured the Critical Infrastructure Coordination Center for the NATO Summit, a 24-hour multi-agency communications and coordination hub that provides real-time information to Federal, state, local and private-sector entities vital to the success of the event. They were briefed on the work of agents assigned to the Secret Service’s Critical Systems Protection Program who apply their skills developed through investigating cybercrime to secure critical systems, protect critical infrastructure and secure National Special Security Events (NSSEs) like the NATO Summit. Additionally, they discussed the growing risk of SIM swapping, approaches to counter this crime and options to reduce use of one-time passwords distributed by Short Message Service (SMS) or phone calls. Secure authentication is a critical priority as compromised credentials have long been the leading factor in confirmed cyber incidents. A cyberattack on a major event can compromise physical security, making it imperative to have agents skilled in cyber investigations working to ensure both the cyber and physical security of these events.
“Cybercrime is a pervasive and ever evolving threat affecting individuals, businesses and government all around the world,” Assistant Director for the Office of Investigations Brian Lambert said. “The vast experience and unique perspective our board members bring help inform our approach to effectively countering crimes like ransomware and SIM swapping.”
Board membership comprises senior executives and advisors from industry, Government, academia and non-profit organizations. All members are appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security through the Secret Service Director. Each member serves in a volunteer capacity for two years with an opportunity to renew their membership for up to three years. Currently, the Secret Service is not soliciting new CIAB members.