McAfee, one of the largest computer security providers, has presented their McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award to Brian Hay, Detective Superintendent of the Queensland Police Service.

The award is one way in which McAfee is endeavouring to get global recognition of the importance of fighting cybercrime. McAfee created the international award to present to individuals who make considerable efforts to combat the ever-increasing threat of cybercrime, as well as educating users and making them more aware of the problem.

Dave DeWalt, president and chief executive officer of McAfee, said: “The McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award acknowledges individuals who not only make a significant contribution to preventing and fighting global cybercrime, but also in raising awareness. Brian Hay’s efforts in protecting the public from cybercriminals have had an impact not only in Australia, but further afield.”

The McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award is awarded to an individual in any area of industry, government, academia or NGO (non-government organisation) who has shown an outstanding effort or essential leadership in the fight against the dangers of cybercrime. Whether this be by raising awareness of cybercrime and how to prevent it, actively halting a cybercrime case through law enforcement, or creating new and innovative protection, an honouree can achieve the award for various endeavours against cybercrime.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, who has been a member of the Queensland Police Service for 28 years, was given the award by McAfee as recognition for his work educating the public about the dangers of cybercrime. Project Synergy was set up by Hay and his team to conduct symposiums and conferences in an effort to keep consumers and businesses one step ahead of cyber fraud. So far, the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group has done more than 140 presentations to a wide variety and high number of community members.

Hay has also fought banking and online fraud in investing a Nigerian scam which targeted Australians consumers and businesses. In a year, those affected had altogether lost $36 million. Hay played an integral role in this criminal investigation, eventually resulting in a sting that lead to the arrest of 10 Nigerian perpetrators.

Alongside this, Hay was also recognised by McAfee as having created two new and world-leading ways for the detection of cybercrime. For example, the online reporting portal. This was developed with eBay, and allowed Australian and international Internet users who were concerned about a potential online auction fraud.

McAfee’s Cybercrime Fighter Award is part of McAfee’s Initiative to Fight Cybercrime; an attempt to educate and to keep safe those using the Internet, whether they be large enterprises or home users.

Guest Article by Neil Camp