INTERPOL, the implementing partner of the Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) project, organized the 8th Americas Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Unit from 7 to 10 November in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The meeting brought together more than sixty law enforcement officers and prosecutors from twenty-four countries, international organisations, fifteen public and private entities, and five national CERTs. The inclusion of relevant stakeholders facilitated the dialogue on how to strategize and collaborate on addressing the growing challenges posed by cybercrimes in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
The event featured four key blocks—prevention, detection, investigation, and disruption—each explored through presentations and panel discussions led by cybercrime officers, prosecutors, and industry representatives. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for a unified approach to combat cyber threats, with a commitment to global action and the safeguarding of communities and critical infrastructure.
Key takeaways from the meeting:
- Rising Threat: The region is experiencing a surge in cybercrime, with ransomware attacks accounting for nearly 30% of reported cases.
- Collaboration is Key: Participants emphasized the need for joint efforts between governments, law enforcement, and private companies to create a united front against cybercriminals. One point of discussion was the creation of the Americas Desk which will provide operational coordination tailored to the unique needs of the region to effectively address cybercrime threats such as phishing, ransomware, banking malware.
- Information Sharing: Real-time intelligence sharing is crucial to stay ahead of evolving threats and enable proactive responses.
- Public-Private Partnerships: The private sector needs to play an active role in developing cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
- International Collaboration: Countries need to collaborate and share resources to combat cybercrime that transcends national borders.
- Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about cyber risks is essential to strengthen overall cybersecurity defence.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to tackle five selected threat areas (fraud, phishing, malware, ransomware, and cryptocurrencies) in 2024. The Dominican Republic and Chile, which are the hub countries in the next phase of the GLACY-e project, will play a pivotal role in leading the regional effort for enhanced resilience by providing targeted training in preparation for future operations.
GLACY+: The 7th INTERPOL Americas Working Group on Cybercrime - Cybercrime (coe.int)
