SEC Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), Division of Enforcement

Summary

On February 20, 2025, the SEC announced the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) in its Division of Enforcement, replacing the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit, led by Laura D'Allaird and staffed by about 30 fraud specialists and attorneys. Its seven priority areas are fraud using emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning; social media, dark-web or false-website fraud; hacking for material nonpublic information; retail brokerage account takeovers; blockchain and crypto-asset fraud; regulated entities' compliance with cybersecurity rules; and public issuers' fraudulent cybersecurity disclosure. AI is one priority among several, not the unit's sole focus.

Key dates

1. February 20, 2025Takes effect
2. February 20, 2025Issued
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: January 15, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the creation of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) to focus on combatting cyber-related misconduct and to protect retail investors from bad actors in the emerging technologies space.

   Supports: Creation and mandate

   Washington D.C., Feb. 20, 2025

   Supports: Date

   The CETU, led by Laura D'Allaird, replaces the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit and is comprised of approximately 30 fraud specialists and attorneys across multiple SEC offices.

   Supports: Leadership, size, predecessor unit

   Fraud committed using emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning

   Supports: AI-related priority area

   SEC Announces Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit to Protect Retail Investors (2025-42) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Primary source