EU Agrees Jail Terms for Computer Hackers

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://digitalmass.boston.com/news/wire_story.html?uri=/dailynews/059/technology/EU_Agrees_Jail_Terms_for_Compu:.shtml

By Reuters
2/28/2003    

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Computer hackers and virus spreaders could be
jailed for five years in serious cases under new laws approved by
European Union justice ministers on Friday.

Authorities worldwide have woken up to the dangers of serious network
failures in key installations such as electricity and water supply.  
Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, concerns have also grown about
hackers gaining access to security information.

''There will be common definitions...and sanctions for a number of
online criminal activities,'' said European Commissioner for Justice
and Home Affairs Antonio Vitorino.

The law seeks to harmonize existing national rules in the 15-nation
European Union, where there are vast gaps in laws.

The law targets anyone who illegally enters a computer network or
server.

It is also aimed against anyone who sends computer viruses such as the
infamous ''I love you'' virus, which caused major information system
breakdowns globally in 2000, as well as other types of destructive
software such as ''worms.''

Hacking and spreading viruses, when committed by organized criminals,
will be punished with jail terms of no less than two years -- and up
to five years -- under the new law.

Less serious offences could result in jail terms of between one and
three years.

Many incidents of hacking are believed to go unreported by companies
and government bodies due to the difficulty in tracking the culprits.

One industry hit by organized attacks is online gambling, where
hackers have managed to crack servers, corrupt games and rack up
winnings worth millions of dollars, according to industry and security
experts.



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