McAfee, Inc. Honors New York's Chief Information Security Officer for Fight Against Cybercrime
Will Pelgrin Receives McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award for Leadership in Protecting the United States Against Cyberattacks
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2009 - McAfee, Inc. (NYSE:MFE) today presented New York’s Director of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Will Pelgrin with the McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award. The award recognizes Pelgrin for his leadership in the fight to protect the Empire State’s networks against cyberattack and his tireless efforts to educate, train and foster collaboration with other states. The award was presented during the McAfee’s Public Sector Executive Security Summit in Washington, D.C.
“When considering candidates for this award, McAfee looks toward individuals who have made a significant impact in raising awareness and educating others in the fight against cybercrime,” said Dave DeWalt chief executive officer and president of McAfee. “Will Pelgrin has spearheaded the fight against cybercrime not only in New York State, but throughout the country.”
Serving as director since the creation of the Office of Cyber Security in 2002, Pelgrin is a Governor’s cabinet-level commissioner. He and his team are responsible for coordinating the State’s efforts regarding cyber infrastructure protection, prevention, response, and recovery.
Pelgrin encourages information sharing and to that end, he established the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) in 2003, which comprises all 50 States and the District of Columbia, as well as U.S. Territories and local governments. The MS-ISAC serves as a central resource for information sharing and collaboration between and among the states and local governments. Additionally, Alaska, Montana and Georgia contract with Pelgrin’s team to monitor and analyze their own states’ network threats.
In addition to operational activities, Pelgrin’s cyberbrigade focuses its efforts on awareness and education activities, including distribution of advisories, information bulletins, monthly newsletters, and online trainings. Through the MS-ISAC, his office also hosts bi-monthly Webcasts, develops cyber security materials for government, businesses and home users and developed and distributed cyber security guides to 38,000 local governments across the United States.
Prior to his role as Chief Information Security Officer, Pelgrin was the State’s Chief Technology Officer, responsible for preparing the State for Y2K and rebuilding the state’s network infrastructure in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Pelgrin spent the early years of his quarter-century in government as a lawyer for the New York State Commission of Correction and the Division for Youth.
The McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award is given to an individual from government, industry, academia or a non-governmental organization who has exemplified outstanding leadership in the global effort to combat cybercrime. The honoree has contributed to the effort in a way that may include: raising awareness of cybercrime prevention, leading law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, educating the next generation of cybercrime fighters, creating innovative ways to combat cybercrime, protecting consumers or children from cybercrime threats, or other efforts.
The McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award is part of the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime. For more information on the Initiative visit http://www.mcafee.com/fightcybercrime.
About McAfee, Inc.
McAfee, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the world's largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee is relentlessly committed to tackling the world’s toughest security challenges. The company delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the web more securely. Backed by an award-winning research team, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com
NOTE: McAfee and any additional McAfee marks herein are registered trademarks of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners. © 2009 McAfee, Inc. All rights reserved.
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