At the Retail Business Leaders Association’s annual summit in Washington, D.C., Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lisa O. Monaco met with a group of CEOs yesterday to discuss a number of challenges affecting the industry nationally, including cybersecurity as well as violent crime and gun violence.
Regarding cybersecurity, the DAG warned the CEOs to be aware of what the Justice Department continues to refer to as the “blended threat” posed by highly skilled cybercriminal organisations and nation-state actors joining forces out of convenience, opportunity, or design.
She urged retailers to strengthen their cyber defences and aggressively build ties with their local FBI.
The DAG emphasised organised retail crime, in particular, the federal charges U.S. Attorneys across the nation are bringing in instances of aggravated retail theft, in his discussion of how the Justice Department is addressing violent crime and gun violence.
The DAG also emphasised the federal resources and expertise that the Department’s law enforcement divisions are offering to our state and local partners, including as participants in task forces designed to combat retail theft.
The DAG also used the occasion to remind the CEOs that promoting a strong corporate compliance culture is crucial and that the Justice Department prioritises corporate criminal enforcement.