Security News > 2002 > July > House agrees to increase cybercrime penalties

http://www.nandotimes.com/technology/story/467704p-3740091c.html By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press WASHINGTON (July 16, 2002 10:38 a.m. EDT) - Preparing the nation for future cyberattacks, the House voted Monday to increase penalties for computer crimes and make it easier for Internet service providers to disclose dangerous material to government agencies. The legislation also states that immediate threats to national security should be included among emergency instances where law enforcement can tap into computer communications. It passed 385-3. Many think of cybercrime as a form of vandalism, but "it can devastate our businesses, economy or national infrastructure," said Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, the chief sponsor. "A mouse can be just as dangerous as a bullet or a bomb." Some provisions broaden language in a far-reaching anti-terrorism bill signed into law last fall after the Sept. 11 attacks. The bill exempts from civil or criminal liability Internet service providers who disclose communications to government offices in the good-faith belief in the existence of an emergency that poses danger of death or serious physical injury. Electronic surveillance tools known as "pen registers" and "trap and trace devices" can be used for 48 hours while court authorization is sought if an immediate threat to national security exists or an attack is under way on protected computers. Such devices allow law enforcement to find the source or destination of computer communications without capturing the content. The bill doubles to 20 years' imprisonment the maximum penalty for knowingly attempting to cause serious injury through a cyberattack. Attempts to cause death are punishable by up to life in prison. To meet privacy considerations, the bill says agencies must report to the Justice Department within 90 days after getting access to electronic communications. The legislation, which requires Senate action, also would move the National Infrastructure Protection Center from the FBI to the planned Homeland Security Department to respond to cyberattacks. The Office of Science and Technology would become an independent agency at the Justice Department to develop technologies to help law enforcement. The White House, in a statement, said it did not object to the legislation but opposed moving the Office of Science and Technology from its current place in the National Institute of Justice. The bill is H.R. 3482. - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomo () attrition org with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.

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