Plenary Session 2: Fireside Chat

In 2021, authorities, industry, and the public saw a dramatic increase in publicly acknowledged ransomware attacks. From critical infrastructure to healthcare systems to local governments, the attacks are growing more severe and frequent and no sector or industry seems invulnerable to these attacks. Cryptocurrency has been the payment means of choice by many of the attackers, raising questions as to whether cryptocurrency is an enabler of such attacks and what can be done in response. In the case of Colonial Pipeline, the US Government was able to trace and recoup much of the payment. With the rise in ransomware and the adoption of cryptocurrency in the legitimate economy, how should regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement, and the virtual asset community respond? Are there avenues of creative partnership to address these risks, and what can be done to ensure hackers find it more difficult to profit from ransomware?

Founded as a direct result of the attacks on 9/11, The Department of Homeland Security has undergone changes and added several missions to its original mandate. How is the federal government’s third largest department gearing up for the challenges out country faces now and in the foreseeable future?

As threats at the nation’s land, air, and sea borders continuously evolve, it is important to adopt new technologies that provide us greater surveillance and security and assured identity of the traveling public. What role should technology play in securing our physical borders and approaches? Are we taking advantage of the best technologies available? How can public-private partnerships everage the advantages of emerging technology? Where do we see opportunities for additional R&D?