ODNI establishes security center for embassies
Under a new directive, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has established a new center that will be involved in securing U.S. embassies from physical and cyber intrusions.
Under Intelligence Community Directive 707 signed Oct. 17, ODNI’s Center for Security Evaluation will work with the State Department to ensure the protection of classified national security information and other intelligence at U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities.
The center will advise on new constructions and major renovations of embassies and assist in national technical surveillance countermeasures. The center also will assist the intelligence community in activities for continuity of government and operations.
U.S. embassies abroad have experienced security leaks in the past. The government abandoned a new U.S. embassy in Moscow in 1985 after learning it was riddled with KGB listening devices.
About the Author
Alice Lipowicz is a staff writer covering government 2.0, homeland security and other IT policies for Federal Computer Week. Follow her on Twitter: @AliceLipowicz.