Manhattan DA Candidate Lucy Lang Releases Plan To Combat Cybercrime & Identity Theft – A Growing Issue Impacting One In Four Americans
Lang to Create Cybercrime & Identity Theft Reporting Portal, Prioritize Proactive Analysis & Investigation of Cybercrimes, & Enhance Victim Assistance
March 9, 2021
Today, Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Lucy Lang released a comprehensive plan to combat cybercrime and identity theft – an issue that affects one in four Americans each year. As district attorney, Lang will invest in the resources and innovation needed to aggressively combat cybercrime and identity theft and ensure that victims receive the help they need. Lang will create a new Cybercrime and Identity Theft Reporting Portal, prioritize proactive analysis and investigation, and invest in enhanced assistance to help victims correct their credit, secure their systems and reduce the chances they will be victimized again.
In Manhattan alone, more than a quarter of all felony indictments filed involve a cyber component. Those who commit cybercrimes steal billions of dollars in funds and data annually, often leaving victims with nowhere to turn. This stolen data is often used to impersonate and steal identities, crimes that victimize thousands of New Yorkers each year, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. Despite having suffered financial loss, damage to their business, and personal hardship, victims often find there is no one who will investigate what happened to them.
“Cybercrime represents a growing issue for millions of New Yorkers, often targeting the most vulnerable in our communities to steal their identities and their hard earned money,” said Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Lucy Lang. “Unfortunately, victims are often left without a voice, the majority of cybercrimes still go unreported, and many reports never receive proper follow-up investigation to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve. As the next Manhattan district attorney, I’m committed to combatting cybercrime and providing victims with the support and resources they need to recover financially, professionally, and personally.”
As Manhattan District Attorney, Lang will:
Create a New Cybercrime and Identity Theft Reporting Portal. Current cybercrime statistics vastly undercount the amount of actual cybercrime, and many reports never receive the proper follow-up investigation. Lucy will create a seamless reporting interface for Manhattan victims of cybercrime and identity theft, ensure reports are reviewed and then an initial investigation performed where appropriate. This portal and process can be expanded and used by other jurisdictions, to achieve an effective statewide and national reporting mechanism for victims. This portal is essential because a cybercrime that is not reported will never be investigated and can never be solved, and the cybercriminals will continue to victimize others.
Enhance Victim Assistance. Lucy will put resources in place to make sure victims who report cybercrimes receive helpful information and assistance to mitigate the harms they suffer, correct their credit, secure their systems, and reduce the chances they will be victimized again.
Prioritize Proactive Analysis and Investigation. Cybercrime investigations will be a priority for the DA’s Office. Information obtained from reports made through the new portal and through existing and proactive investigation will be rigorously analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and organized criminal activity, and to build intelligence. Investigations and prosecutions and will be conducted by building and using a full array of tools and resources. Often, the conduct engaged in by a single cybercrime and identity theft offender or group is widespread, and a single detected crime might be part of sweeping criminal activity. Therefore, the DA’s office will investigate each case thoroughly, and also focus on holistic ways to dismantle the crushing threat of cybercrime.
Improve Digital Evidence Management. Lucy will expand the office’s expertise in the preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence. Digital evidence is an essential element of every investigation and prosecution, including cybercrime.
Integrate Financial Evidence. Lucy will develop a new focus on the financial evidence of cybercrime and identity theft. These are greed-motivated crimes, so financial clues must be followed. Cybercriminals use every type of payment mechanism from cash to virtual currency (including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin) and many are sophisticated at laundering their profits. Whatever the form, the office will follow the financial trail.
Collaborate with local, state, federal, and private sector partners. Cybercrime and identity theft cross geographical and jurisdictional boundaries. Collaboration and information sharing are essential to stop these crimes and find those who commit them. Lucy will develop and expand partnerships with law enforcement at every level of government, as well as within the private sector, academia, and community groups. This will maximize the office’s collective efforts against cybercrime and play a crucial role in combating this evolving threat.
Advocate for Improved Cybercrime Legislation. Lucy will advocate for important changes to our laws that properly address the range of cybercrime and identity theft conduct, strengthen cybercrime investigations, and protect our communities.
Improve Internal Training. Lucy will enhance the office’s internal training on cybersecurity, cybercrime, and identity theft, and digital evidence.
Commit to Community Outreach. Under Lucy’s leadership, the office will reach out to the community to educate them on the risks, how to mitigate them, and what to do if they fall victim.
To learn more about Lucy’s priorities, visit her plans page.