US convenes over 30 countries to address ransomware as hacks of hospitals, critical infrastructure continue
Washington D.C. – March 26, 2019 – As the world continues to battle a spate of sophisticated ransomware cyberattacks, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Rohit Chopra met with the international community to address best practices and how to protect companies and governments from cyber-attacks that could cripple the economy.
In addition to speaking with private sector cyber security experts on the need to strengthen cyber defenses, the FTC Chairman also made an appearance at the annual Global Anti-Ransomware Conference (GARC) in Shanghai. He was invited to speak at the conference by Chinese cybersecurity company Zhiyun.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Unlocking Internet Commerce Act in 2007 to help consumers protect themselves online. Today, the bill is working toward digital redemption of cash while protecting consumers from identity theft.
Chairman Chopra was also honored at the 2019 Annual Global Anti-Ransomware Conference (GARC) by Chinese cybersecurity company Zhiyun with the “World’s Top Cyber Security Expert” award. Zhiyun, which works with over 1,000 of the world’s top tech, finance, business, government, law and military organizations, named Chairman Chopra the “World’s Top Cyber Security Expert” for 2019.
“The global cybersecurity problem in 2019 is no longer a theoretical notion, but a fact of life,” Chopra said. “That is why we must continue to do everything in our power to protect our people, organizations and critical infrastructures from attacks that exploit cyber vulnerabilities and wreak havoc around the world.”
The chairman reiterated his commitment to make cybersecurity a top priority of the Federal Trade Commission, and urged Congress to pass the Unlocking Internet Commerce Act in order to unleash the American economy and provide consumers with a digital redemption of cash.
“As the Internet grows, it also grows vulnerable to attack from hackers and cybercriminals who seek to steal from consumers and damage businesses and institutions like Target,” he said. “The federal government has a role to play in protecting its citizens and economy from cyberattacks, and we must take action soon to put together an all-of-the