Demarest named to new position at FBI cyber crime branch

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US Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania David Hickton (R) listens while Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Director for Cyber Security Joseph Demarest speaks during a briefing at the Foreign Press Center February 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.The United States on Tuesday offered a $3 million reward for information to apprehend a Russian national sought in a major hacking enterprise that stole some $100 million. The State Department made the announcement of the reward for information on Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, believed to be the administrator of the group that created the “GameOver Zeus” malware that enabled thieves to break into bank accounts in 12 countries. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

The branch conducts investigations into criminal cyber activity worldwide, including incident response and victim assistance.

Despite the long lead-in title, Demarest will functionally act as the CCRSB chief operation officer, according to FBI Director James Comey.

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Demarest will be responsible for “providing technical advice and guidance across [CCRSB] components while establishing and nurturing relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies,” Comey said, announcing the new position and Demarest’s appointment. “With almost 30 years of FBI experience in investigative operations and national security matters, Joe brings a wealth of subject matter expertise to this new executive position.”

During his tenure at the FBI, Demarest has been focused on large, immediate threats, transitioning to new positions as new threats arise.

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Demarest joined the FBI as a special agent in 1988, investigating white-collar and violent crime, drugs and foreign counterintelligence. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he transferred to terrorism investigation task forces, eventually becoming special agent in charge for counterterrorism.

He was appointed assistant director of the Cyber Division in 2012.

Demarest will work directly under Robert Anderson, who was appointed the executive assistant director for CCRSB in March 2014.

About 

Aaron Boyd is an awarding-winning journalist currently serving as editor of Federal Times — a Washington, D.C. institution covering federal workforce and contracting for more than 50 years — and Fifth Domain — a news and information hub focused on cybersecurity and cyberwar from a civilian, military and international perspective.