Online Shopping Safety this Holiday Season: Cybersecurity Expert Available

PHILADELPHIA, November 16, 2012

Dr. Rob D’Ovidio is an associate professor of criminal justice and director of Drexel University’s program in computer crime and digital forensics,

As the popularity of online shopping increases – especially during the holiday season – so do the chances of being a victim of cybercrime. Drexel University’s Dr. Rob D’Ovidio, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the University’s program in computer crime and digital forensics, is available to comment on online privacy and a variety of cybercrime issues.

D’Ovidio has worked with the New York City Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department on research projects involving computer crime. His work with the law enforcement community includes training investigators on techniques to seize electronic evidence and trace Internet communications.

He can discuss the following consumer safety concerns:

• Types of Internet fraud consumers need to be particularly aware of
• Common techniques used by criminals to defraud consumers via the Internet
• Consumer safety practices to avoid falling victim to Internet fraud
• Suggestions for those who fall victim to Internet fraud

D’Ovidio is a past president of the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley chapter of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association. He is also a member of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists, the American Society of Criminology, and the United States Secret Service Philadelphia-Area Electronic Crimes Task Force. D’Ovidio serves as chair of the Law and Public Policy Working Group for the National Institute of Justice’s Electronic Crimes Partnership Initiative. He also sits on the National Governors Association’s Strategic Policy Council on Cyber and Electronic Crime.

D’Ovidio is the current book review editor for the Security Journal. He provides regular commentary for media outlets on news stories pertaining to computer crime, Internet safety, identity theft, and surveillance. He received his Ph.D. in criminal justice from Temple University.