[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       isn
Subject:    [ISN] Tracking Global CyberCrime
From:       mea culpa <jericho () dimensional ! com>
Date:       1998-09-25 20:59:52
[Download RAW message or body]


Forwarded From: Modify <modify@sekurity.org>

Tracking Global Cybercrime
by Claudia Graziano
4:00 a.m.  25.Sep.98.PDT

The International Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that it will open a
new division to help companies around the world protect themselves against
cybercrime. 

"Basically, any scams you can do terrestrially you can do even easier in
cyberspace," said Eric Ellen, the chamber's executive director, who will
take the reins of the new division. 

The London-based unit will work with Interpol to fight heavy-duty
technological thievery -- such as money laundering, industrial espionage,
and investment fraud -- as opposed to small-time consumer scams like
selling nonexistent goods online. 

Interpol chief Ray Kendall said the international police agency had been
pushing for years for such an alliance with the private sector since it
could move more quickly than governments in purchasing the equipment
needed to investigate high-tech crime. 

The cybercrime unit will provide the 7,000 International Chamber of
Commerce members with information about how and where the myriad types of
crimes are committed on the Net and what businesses can do to protect
themselves against crackers and fraud artists. 

A Federal Trade Commission official praised the commission's efforts to
raise domestic awareness of Internet fraud. 

"We welcome any international effort to crack down on cyberfraud, because
crime and fraud perpetrated against consumers or businesses only
undermines the electronic marketplace and stifles the great opportunities
available through Internet commerce," said Paul Luehr, an assistant
director at the commission. 

The chamber said it hopes to persuade governments, including the United
States, to wipe out restrictions that limit the spread and availability of
strong encryption algorithms. 

That position flies in the face of US law enforcement, which currently
limits the export of powerful crypto on the grounds that it might be used
by terrorists.  Meanwhile, US crypto advocates have long said that ciphers
are better suited to fighting crime than hiding it. 

"There will be some lobbying on our part, but many businesses can't wait
for laws,"  Ellen said. "Crimes cross international borders, yet existing
laws [against cybercrime] are national." 

The chamber's cybercrime unit will meet regularly with Interpol in Lyon,
France, to exchange information and intelligence on cybercrime and its
perpetrators. 

Additionally, the chamber division plans to exchange information with the
FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center and the FBI's National
Security Awareness unit, which looks after the interests of US businesses. 

Headquartered in Paris, the International Chamber of Commerce establishes
rules that govern the conduct of businesses worldwide. The nonprofit group
holds top-level consultative status with the United Nations, where it puts
forward the views of business in countries around the world. 

-o-
Subscribe: mail majordomo@sekurity.org with "subscribe isn".
Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]

[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]