NCIS calls for unit to combat cyber crime

Internet - Report demands cyber force to crack down on the rising tide of online offences.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) has demanded thetide of online offences. establishment of a national cyber police force to stem the growing tide of online theft.

Project Trawler, a study of internet crime over three years, revealed an online crime wave, including hacking, virus spreading, paedophilia, pornography, hate sites, fraud and software piracy. The Net is also being used by criminals for secure communication.

The NCIS claimed that reported cyber crimes had risen from 12,000 in 1997 to more than 40,000 in 1998. The conclusion of the report was that a national cyber police force should be established, to support local forces, focus on serious offences and develop internet expertise.

John Abbott, director general of NCIS, said: 'Serious consideration should be given to the establishment of a national investigative crime unit to combat the growing number of computer crimes being carried out in the UK, and to identify and target emerging threats.'

David Hart, author of the report at NCIS, warned: 'If the rewards are great enough and the risks low enough, then established criminals will migrate to the unchartered territory of the internet.'

NCIS is also calling for the Computer Misuse Act to be updated to make theft of corporate data a criminal offence and recommended that the cyber force have access to decryption keys.

The Home Office also published a consultation paper on the 14-year-old Interception of Communications Act. It will result in the police being able to intercept emails as well as other hi-tech communication mediums.

Jack Straw, Home Secretary, said: 'Criminals and terrorists have been quick to exploit a revolutionised communications industry and dated legislation on interception. These proposals will help maintain interception as the most powerful weapon in the armoury against crime.'