Bitcoin Security Conference Planned For May

The growing popularity of digital currencies has opened the door for a new type of criminal activity on the internet. Much like early computer viruses and malware, new hacking techniques have enabled criminals to steal from users' wallets and set up bitcoin-based scams without being easily detected. The lack of protection against such crimes has prompted the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) to hold a

at the end of May at which some of the world's leading cybercrime experts will discuss how to deal with these growing threats.

The APWG announced this week that it would hold its 2015 Symposium on Electronic Crime Research from May 26-29 in Barcelona, Spain. This year, the group's symposium will include dedicated talks on cryptocurrencies and the safety concerns that surround them. APWG Chairman Dave Jevans said that the conference is designed to "give attendees the knowledge they need to understand the risks and the new security approaches for handling cryptocurrencies."

In an effort to attract digital currency enthusiasts, the APWG has planned several activities aimed at cryptocurrency firms and users. Among other things, attendees can listen to COO of Gem Ken Miller discuss best practices for bitcoin security, take advice regarding cryptocurrency handling from law enforcement agencies like the FBI and the Spanish eCrime Police unit, or hear a panel discussion on the challenges bitcoin firms face from industry leaders.

The conference is also looking to draw in more attention from the bitcoin community by making many of its activities cryptocurrency friendly. On the first night of the conference, Barcelona's Bitcoin community is planning a special meet-up group to welcome enthusiasts; and those who pay to attend the conference using bitcoin will receive a discount on their admission price.