Australian Parliament to investigate cybercrime

Stuart Corner
Monday, 18 May 2009 09:05

IT Industry - Strategy

The Australian Government has launched a parliamentary enquiry into cybercrime and its impact on Australian consumers.

It will be undertaken by The House of Representatives Communications Committee, chaired by Belinda Neal, the member for Robertson in NSW, and the committee wants to hear the views of consumers, businesses and experts in the field, as well as federal, state and territory governments.

Neal said: “E-security has emerged as an important concern for governments, the business sector and the wider community as criminals finds new and innovative ways to infect and misuse computer systems for criminal purposes. In this rapidly moving field it is timely to review Australia’s progress in combating cyber crime and promoting e-security at home and abroad.”

The committee faces a monumental task given the scale, scope and technical sophistication of cybercrime. It is required to investigate and report on:

-  The nature and prevalence of e-security risks including financial fraud and theft of personal information, including the impact of malicious software such as viruses and Trojans;

- The implications of these risks on the wider economy, including the growing economic and security impact of botnets;

- The level of understanding and awareness of e-security risks within the Australian community;

- The measures currently deployed to mitigate e-security risks faced by Australian consumers;

- Future initiatives that will further mitigate the e-security risks to Australian Internet users;

- Emerging technologies to combat these risks.

The committee is seeking submissions by 26 June It has given no details so far of public hearing dates, or when its report is due.