Washington: The US Department of Defence has established a dedicated cyber policy office, a move an official said underlines the significance of digital warfare.

The department announced the creation of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Cyber Policy on March 29, a little more than a week after it actually opened its doors. The organisation was mandated by the fiscal 2023 National Defence Authorisation Act.

“In standing up this office, the department is giving cyber the focus and attention that Congress intended,” acting Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Sasha Baker said in a statement.

President Joe Biden last month tapped Michael Sulmeyer to be the inaugural assistant secretary of defence for cyber policy. Sulmeyer currently serves as the US Army’s principal cyber adviser. His nomination was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 21.

Ashley Manning will lead the office until Sulmeyer is confirmed by lawmakers, according to the Defence Department.

Responsibilities include developing and overseeing implementation of cyber policy and strategy; certifying the cyberspace operations budget and coordinating with Cyber Command; and crafting guidance for private-sector outreach.

The Defence Department requested $14.5 billion in cyber spending for FY25. The figure is about $1 billion more than the Biden administration’s previous ask. It is also up from FY23, when it sought $11.2 billion.