U.S. Attorney Durkan Speaks to Computer Security Professionals

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan addressed the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) this afternoon about cyber security and privacy issues. U.S. Attorney Durkan urged members of the organization to report suspicious network intrusion attempts and other cyber breaches to law enforcement. Pointing to the successful prosecution of a hacking ring that targeted more than 50 local businesses, U.S. Attorney Durkan described how federal investigators were able to see the pattern in disparate hacking events to ultimately apprehend the criminals and put the hacking ring out of business.

“We are relying on security professionals like you to alert us to suspicious activity,” U.S. Attorney Durkan told the group. “To you it may seem like an isolated incident, but the investigators with the Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force are able to see if there is a pattern that allows them to disrupt and dismantle cyber crime rings.”

U.S. Attorney Durkan, who Chairs a special DOJ Subcommittee on Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Enforcement, noted that cyber crime is a top priority for the FBI and is a priority in the Western District of Washington, where so many high tech companies are headquartered.