Top-tier representatives from 21 nations gathered at the Organization of American States (OAS) on September 27-28, 2023, for the Department of Homeland Security Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference. The conference, hosted by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, aimed to address pressing cybersecurity issues affecting the hemisphere and explore collaborative solutions.
Discussions at the conference covered a range of essential topics, including critical infrastructure security, cybersecurity measures for aviation, rail, and maritime sectors, and collective experiences in tackling cyber-enabled crimes, particularly ransomware.
One of the primary outcomes of the conference was an agreement between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its international partners to undertake several bilateral and multilateral cyber initiatives. These initiatives include cybersecurity training sessions, vulnerability assessments, specialized workshops on cyber hygiene threat mitigation, public-private partnership developments, and more. The attendees also expressed a keen interest in exploring advanced methodologies for enhanced data sharing and collaboration.
The conference saw the participation of high-ranking U.S. officials, including Acting Deputy Secretary Kristie Canegallo, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans Robert Silvers, CISA Director Jen Easterly, and TSA Administrator David Pekoske. Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger, Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden, and representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State were also present at the event.
In a joint statement reflecting on the conference's significance, the participants emphasized the importance of cross-border cyber collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing complex cybersecurity challenges together. They highlighted the value of building on past cooperation and expressed their determination to continue working together to safeguard shared values.
The Department of Homeland Security Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference served as a platform for top-tier representatives to unpack the evolving landscape of cyber threats and discuss how mutual collaborations can best tackle current and forthcoming cybersecurity challenges. The conference's outcomes, including the agreement on various cyber initiatives, underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ever-growing cybersecurity risks faced by nations in the Western hemisphere.
