GovSec International Cyber Security Series To Explore Realities Of Global Threats
The Internet has no borders, but cybercrimes do. While the computers and networks being attacked may be in the U.S., the malicious communications are routed through various countries, and the cybercriminals’ locations are often outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Tracking and prosecuting the crimes is dependent on the cybercrime laws in the various countries involved, the ability to obtain assistance from providers, and the level of expertise and cooperation provided by foreign law enforcement.
During the 2011 Government Security Conference & Expo (GovSec) featuring the U.S. Law Enforcement Conference & Exposition, produced by the 1105 Event Group, the American Bar Association's (ABA) Privacy & Computer Crime Committee, Section of Science & Technology Law, will host a free, three-part series entitled “International Realities of Cyber Security” that will explore how to deal with these global threats.
“Because the security of our nation’s data and systems are at risk from attackers located in foreign countries, it’s critical that government and private sector security personnel, as well as law enforcement, understand the international complexities of combating cybercrime,” said Jody Westby, CEO of Global Cyber Risk and chair of the ABA committee. “With our international program series at GovSec this year, we are seeking to raise all attendees’ awareness of these issues so they can better counter cybercriminal activities directed at their systems.”
Remarks by senior policy officials from the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as well as a multidisciplinary panel, will set the stage for a mock investigation that brings out the realities and difficulties of investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes. “It doesn’t matter if the activity took place in the U.S.,” Westby added, “It most likely has international dimensions that all security personnel should be aware of.”
Scheduled for March 31, the “International Realities of Cyber Security” series is part of the educational sessions offered during the free GovSec EXPO, and will bring together top international experts and discuss the need for a harmonized legal framework, common procedural rules and understanding of the issues confronted in investigating cybercrimes to ensure maximum cooperation globally. The three parts of the series include:
- Opening presentations by leaders of the IMPACT and the ITU -- Datuk Mohd Noor Amin, chairman of IMPACT's Management Board will discuss the work of the global cybersecurity center in Malaysia and the training, threat information and programs that IMPACT is offering to governments and private sector entities around the world. And, Alexander Ntoko, head of the ITU's Corporate Strategy Division, will brief session attendees on the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA), the work underway globally, and the role of government personnel.
- “Catching the Bad Guys: The Legal and Technical Issues Associated with International Cybercrime” -- This interactive panel will feature senior experts who will discuss the issues surrounding international cybercrime, including the main difficulties encountered when conducting investigations and prosecuting the crimes.
- “Mock Investigation of Botnet Attack Stealing Corporate Proprietary Data” -- This session will demonstrate what happens when a botnet steals highly sensitive data from corporations and government agencies, and drops the pilfered data in Romania, Russia and China. The botmaster cannot be located and infected machines serving as bots spread around the globe. In this scenario, several companies have sought law enforcement and retained forensic investigators. Participants will learn what needs to happen to identify and catch the cybercriminals, and how organizations worldwide must collaborate to do so.
This GovSec series on international cyber security issues returns for the second consecutive year, following on the heels of last year’s inaugural program called “International Issues and Initiatives on Cybersecurity,” which drew a standing-room only crowd.