Our History
After years of prosecuting cyber financial fraud crimes with no end in sight, the New York County District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, Jr., knew that there had to be a better way to confront the cybercrime epidemic. Prosecution was a critical treatment modality, but prevention was the cure. After discussions with William Pelgrin, founder of the MS-ISAC and former President & CEO of the Center for Internet Security (CIS), the concept of what is now known as GCA was developed and is the product of input from many thought leaders which, from the beginning, demonstrated a commitment to a collective effort.
The two then reached out to their partners in the fight against cybercrime, the City of London Police Commissioner, Adrian Leppard (now former), and John Gilligan, Chairman of the Board for the Center for Internet Security (CIS), to understand what might be done. This resulted in a coalition to take on the uphill battle against cybercrime and a recognition that we need to come together as a global community to have a transformational impact on cybersecurity. With a bias towards action, the three organizations made their move. On September 16, 2015 the Global Cyber Alliance was formed to address systemic cyber risk through a proactive risk-based, solution-oriented approach to address and eradicate malicious cyber risks.
Knowing the potential that an organization like GCA could have, the DA committed $25 million in criminal asset forfeiture proceeds to fund this critical work over a five-year period. The Center for Internet Security and City of London Police also made significant contributions in providing space, funding, staff, and assistance with building strategic partnerships. Through these contributions, commitment, and mindshare, the Global Cyber Alliance was established. Since that time, the organization has developed a global partnership network, formed an impressive board of directors and strategic advisory committee, established a notable executive team, and cultivated a skilled technical staff to carry out the mission: Do Something. Measure It.
Through the leadership and vision of each of the founders, they respectively have been a tremendous catalyst to bring an international community together to positively improve our global online cybersecure posture.
