One major topic during this summit was how countries can trace and disrupt criminal use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (Collier). Cyber-attacks have become a major issue all around the world. In the past year alone, ransomware attacks have increased in the US by 300%. In May, a ransomware attack forced the closure of the largest US fuel pipeline and another cyber attack caused the world’s largest meat company, JBS, to halt operations at some facilities. The White House has previously attempted to prevent ransomware by sanctioning a cryptocurrency exchange and dedicating a Justice Department task force to focus on ransomware. These efforts have yet to reveal results.

During the summit, President Biden called on the leaders of companies - including Apple, Google and JPMorgan Chase - to do more to respond to cybersecurity threats at the White House (Zakrzewski). Biden also discussed the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, as it is estimated that half a million of these positions currently remain open. At the conference, Microsoft and Google committed to working with the White House to create secure technology and examine the security of existing technology. Microsoft also reported that it would invest $20 billion over the next five years to integrate cybersecurity in their products as well as dedicating $150 million to the government to upgrade their cyber security protection. Many other companies also announced the initiatives they will be taking to reduce the threat of cyber attacks: IBM pledged to train 150,000 people in cyber security skills and Google committed to train 100,000 people in similar skills.