Cyber Diplomacy is center stage as web enters brave new world of connectivity

AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Siobhan MacDermott, the Chief Policy Officer at AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the provider of Internet and mobile security, privacy and optimization to 155 million active users, will be speaking on the topic of the rise of 'Cybermilitia' at the annual International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) in Seattle on October 2, 2103.

The presentation, entitled "From Citizen to Cybermilitia in 60 Minutes: Connecting the Cybersecurity Dots", proposes a cybersecurity framework anchored in collective security and privacy with every day citizens connected in the fight against cyber-crime and cyber-war. The IAPP Academy features diverse programming around operational privacy and emerging developments for privacy professionals globally.

What: Siobhan MacDermott, AVG Technologies, at IAPP 2013
When: 9-10am, Wednesday, October 2^nd, 2013
Where:  Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way N.E. Bellevue, WA 98004, Seattle

"Not many years ago, the phrase 'We are all connected' was a spiritual, theological, or metaphysical declaration. Today, it is a simple statement of fact. We are all connected—literally, by wires, optic fibers, and radio signals. It is also literally true that, against the networks and the nodes of these connections, there are attacks—daily, hourly, and by the hundreds of thousands," said Ms. MacDermott.

Later in the week, Ms. MacDermott will also chair a Cybersecurity Panel at the Fletcher School's (Tufts University) 80th Anniversary Event in Washington DC. The panel will discuss the balance between individual privacy and national security.  Recent disclosures such as the use of PRISM have brought these discussions to the forefront of people's minds. 

Panelists will include representatives from cybersecurity bodies, military background and NGOs who will share their viewpoints on the convergence of security, privacy and mobility and the balance of national protection versus individual privacy.

What: Cybersecurity and "Cyber Diplomacy" Panel discussion chaired by Siobhan MacDermott, Chief Policy Officer, AVG Technologies
When: 9.30-11.30 am, Saturday October 5^th, 2013
Where:  The Embassy of Singapore, 3501 International Place NW, Washington DC 20008

Ms. MacDermott is widely published, appears frequently in the media and speaks at conferences around the world including working with and participating in the World Economic Forum and the Clinton Global Initiative. She has authored white papers and articles on privacy, consumer dynamics, consumer rights and winning leadership and business strategies. Most recently, Ms. MacDermott authored a children's book on Internet Safety called Little Bird's Internet Security Adventure, a book on privacy entitled Wide Open Privacy, and has just published Cybermilitia: A Citizen Strategy to Fight, Win, and End War in Cyberspace.

You can read more of Ms. MacDermott's work at the AVG Blogs
Follow her on Twitter: @avglittlebird

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About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG's mission is to simplify, optimize and secure the Internet experience, providing peace of mind to a connected world. AVG's powerful yet easy-to-use software and online services put users in control of their Internet experience. By choosing AVG's software and services, users become part of a trusted global community that benefits from inherent network effects, mutual protection and support. AVG has grown its user base to 155 million active users as of June 30, 2013 and offers a product portfolio that targets the consumer and small business markets and includes Internet security, PC performance optimization, online backup, mobile security, identity protection and family safety software. www.avg.com      

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