On October 12, 2016 the OSAC Bulgaria Country Council held a half-day conference for our OSAC constituents and AmCham members on Cybersecurity at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Sofia. More than seventy participants from American and international companies, AmCham members, law enforcement officers, and attorneys attended the event.
Cybersecurity experts briefed the participants on the damages companies incur as a result of cyber attacks, as well as the latest tactics and techniques used by the cybercriminals for launching these attacks. It was emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness within each organization which could mitigate the risks of compromised data. Practical advice and live demonstrations showed the most current threats and risks for the IT users, while both online and offline. During the conference, the importance of the legal aspects of cybersecurity and the ongoing reform of the data protection legal framework within the EU were outlined. Participants were informed about cyber insurance for protecting corporate liabilities and what risks those insurances may cover. Speakers included professionals from the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, Mnemonika, the FBI, Vilvosoft, DGKV and AIG.
OSAC was established in 1985 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to promote security cooperation between American private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. The OSAC Council is comprised of 30 private sector and 4 public sector member organizations that represent specific industries or agencies. Today, the OSAC partnership encompasses ten federal agencies and over 4,600 private organizations, from the business and academic communities to non-governmental and faith-based organizations.
The OSAC Bulgaria Country Council, launched in November 2012, is one of the 151 OSAC chapters around the globe attached to U.S. Embassies and consulates.