Office of the Chief Technology Officer

ICANN’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) supports improving the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet’s system of unique identifiers; researches identifier-related issues; provides capacity building training about the DNS, DNSSEC, and cybersecurity; participates in technical and security community groups, such as IETF, regional TLDs, and AntiPhishing. The OCTO also manages risk awareness and preparedness and measures and analyzes identifier system behaviors and performance. Other areas of work include teaching about technology and technical engagement.

ICANN's OCTO

1. researches increases in DNS traffic to the ICANN-Managed Root Server (IMRS) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and presented the material to the community in various forums
2. has developed a system for collecting metrics from the root server operators in support of RSSAC047
3. provides subject matter expertise to the law enforcement and the cybersecurity community to facilitate their preventing, mitigating, containing, and disrupting activities
4. supports the DNS Security Facilitation Initiative (DSFI) Technical Study Group
5. fulfills ICANN's entrance into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Cyber Alliance and the global Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
6. develops and delivers training for incident responders on DNS security threats

Octo runs two research programs to inform policy makers, develop internet baseline standards through the KinDNS program and created and identifier technology health indicator.