“It is important that the messages of this new century not be drowned out by a combination of senseless abuse and criminal misbehavior,” Corbett said. “Just as a superhighway can carry essential goods to market, along with criminals fleeing the scene of the crime, the Internet is much in need of traffic cops.”
The forum, held at Heinz Field, brought together a variety of government and industry officials sharing insight into how such a partnership in the fight against cybercrime will help protect global, state and local economic interests.
“We can’t afford to allow the bad guys to flee across national boundaries. If cyber-security is to mean anything, it must be an international effort,” Corbett said. “An email doesn’t stop at the border to clear customs. A financial transaction can’t pause to be searched. Things now move instantly, meaning we need to be on guard against those who would steal or terrorize at the same rate.”
In addition to Corbett, also speaking at the event were Philip Barton, deputy head of the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Sir Ian Andrews, chairman of the U.K.’s Serious Organised Crime Agency; and William G. Ross of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The event also marked the expansion of an existing partnership with the U.K.’s Serious Organised Crime Agency, which has assigned an officer in Pittsburgh, as well as recognizing the strong trade relationship between the U.K. and Pennsylvania.
The NCFTA held the forum in conjunction with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Pittsburgh Technology Council, U.K. Trade and Investment and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
For more information, visit www.pa.gov.