Office of Cybersecurity and Communications

Mission

The Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) is responsible for enhancing the security, resiliency, and reliability of the nation's cyber and communications infrastructure.  CS&C actively engages the public and private sectors as well as international partners to prepare for, prevent, and respond to catastrophic incidents that could degrade or overwhelm these strategic assets.

CS&C works to prevent or minimize disruptions to our critical information infrastructure in order to protect the public, economy, government services, and the overall security of the United States.  It does this by supporting a series of continuous efforts designed to further safeguard federal government systems by reducing potential vulnerabilities, protecting against cyber intrusions, and anticipating future threats. 

As the Sector-Specific Agency for the Communications and Information Technology (IT) sectors, CS&C coordinates national level reporting that is consistent with the National Response Framework (NRF).

Structure

Congress created the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications in 2006. CS&C carries out its mission through its three divisions:

• National Communications System 
• National Cybersecurity Division 
• Office of Emergency Communications

In addition, CS&C operates the NCS' National Coordinating Center (NCC) for communications, as well as NCSD's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT). Both are responsible for responding to incidents that arise within the communications and IT sectors.

Exercises and Planning

Cyber Storm, the Department of Homeland Security’s biennial exercise series, provides the framework for the nation’s largest cybersecurity exercise and strengthens cyber preparedness in both the public and private sectors.

The Office of Emergency Communication developed the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to ensure that emergency response personnel at all levels of government can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. To achieve this objective, the NECP identifies the capabilities and initiatives necessary for communications operability, interoperability, and continuity for emergency responders nationwide.