Cybercrime Within The EU

In the 15-21 November 2007 edition of the European Voice, Judith Crosbie has written an overview about the current state of cybercrime within the EU.

Whilst the majority of the article discusses the background to this issue, there were a few new statistics which have not passed before me previously. For example:

The Internet Watch Foundation (UK) estimates that the number of websites containing child abuse has increased by 1,500 percent between 1997 and 2005.

In the region of 750,000 computers in Germany alone are infected by botnets which enable hackers to control them remotely.

The Financial Services Authority (UK) believes that in the past 2 years, there has been an increase in internet bank fraud of 8,000 percent.

Two weeks ago, EU commissioner for justice, freedom and security, Franco Frattini, announced plans to criminalise online incitement to violence - with a particular focus on terrorism. However, as might be expected and needed, civil liberties groups have questioned just how legitimate political opinions might be protected under such proposals.

After their online siege of earlier this year, it will come as no surprise to learn that Estonia is at the forefront of moves against cyber attacks. They and the Portugese presidency have called on nations to join the Council Of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime.

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