Sir – It is hugely positive news that Derek Wyatt MP, the current chairman of the All-Party Internet Group, is continuing his quest to keep the reform of the Computer Misuse Act on the political agenda in the run-up to the General Election (‘APIG targets update of Computer Misuse Act’, News Update, Security Management Today, October 2004, p7).

If the UK is to have any chance of effectively tackling computer-based crime, the Government must take the legal framework of the Act far more seriously. To my way of thinking, I cannot see any other way forward.

Current legislation should be thoroughly reviewed and updated wherever necessary in a bid to criminalise the misuse of information (ie intellectual property) itself, not merely the misuse of a computer.

At the same time, we must also consider how any such law might be enforced, and the skills and resources needed to do so.

One worrying consequence of the Government’s relative inaction on e-crime is the under-funding of law enforcement agencies, and the lack of trained and skilled computer forensics investigators. These are the types of problem that simply must be addressed now before it’s too late.

The current situation begs the question: do we need a dedicated e-crime minister?

Perhaps the evolution of such a ministerial position would push the Government into making Internet crime a far higher priority than it is at present.

Importantly, it would also send out a strong signal to the criminal fraternity – as well as those who might otherwise be tempted to engage in illegal online activities.

Simon Janes, International Operations Director ibas

Source

SMT