Türkiye establishes cybersecurity directorate under presidential decree
A cyber police looking at computer screen in Türkiye. (AA Photo)
A new Cybersecurity Directorate has been established under the Turkish Presidency following a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The decree, published in the Official Gazette, outlines the directorate’s structure, responsibilities, and objectives as it comes into effect immediately.
Headquartered in Ankara, the directorate will function as a public legal entity with a special budget. Its primary mission will be to ensure cybersecurity by developing policies, strategies, and action plans, as well as coordinating related activities. The directorate will also focus on increasing awareness, education, and public understanding of cybersecurity, while promoting projects that support information security across the country.
The directorate’s tasks include fostering collaboration among public institutions, private companies, and universities. It aims to strengthen Türkiye’s cybersecurity ecosystem by encouraging the development of domestic and national technologies. Efforts will also be made to enhance the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs in global markets through research and development, technology transfer, and the identification of vulnerabilities in cybersecurity infrastructure.
In preparation for potential threats, the directorate will create emergency response and crisis management plans. Additional responsibilities include drafting regulations and forming working groups comprising government agencies, professional organizations, civil society groups, private-sector representatives, and experts.
The Cybersecurity Directorate will include several service units, such as the Cyber Defense General Directorate, Cyber Resilience General Directorate, Ecosystem Development General Directorate, and departments for external relations, administrative services, legal counsel, and public relations.
The decree also allows the directorate to establish representative offices domestically and internationally. International offices require presidential approval following a recommendation by the director.
