Government tables response to Reps Cyber Crime report
By Stuart Corner
Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:54
IT Policy –
Regulation
The government’s response to the “Hackers, Fraudsters and Botnets: Tackling the Problem of Cyber Crime” report from the Reps Standing Committee on Communications has been tabled, in Parliament.
iTWire was unable to obtain a copy of the response at the time of writing, but the Government’s press release does not suggest that any action is planned on the report’s 34 recommendations that include, amongst other things a call for the installation of antivirus software and firewalls to be a prerequisite for gaining access to the Internet.
Under the report’s recommendations, the requirement for end users to install, and keep current, protection software would be incorporated into a mandatory code of practice for ISPs that went beyond the recently adopted voluntary code.
A press release announcing the tabling of the Government’s response, said: “The Committee’s report contains 34 recommendations on a more coordinated and strategic approach to cyber crime and related issues including cyber security, consumer protection and privacy.”
It then quoted attorney general, Robert McClelland, saying: “The constantly evolving nature of cyber crime will continue to require smart and innovative responses from government. The Government’s response to the report recognises that governments, industry and individuals all have a role in taking action to mitigate online risks.
“This includes continuing to work on our vision for a secure, resilient and trusted cyber environment through the Cyber Security Strategy and to support domestic and international cooperation on preventing, investigating and prosecuting cyber crimes.”
But no specific initiatives were mentioned, only a list of previous initiatives and achievements to combat cyber crime.
Another key recommendation of the report was that an Office of Online Security be established within the Department of Prime Minster and Cabinet, headed by a cyber security coordinator. Its role would be to coordinate cyber crime policy across commonwealth, state and territory governments, and foster partnerships with industry and the community.
The Committee also recommended a national 24 hour cyber crime reporting facility, saying: “Ordinary members of the public need a ‘one stop shop’ to report cyber-crime – one that provides initial advice, take reports and makes referrals.”
It also called for the Productivity Commission to “conduct an in depth investigation and analysis of the economic and social costs of the lack of security in the IT hardware and software products market, and its impact on the efficient functioning of the Australian economy.”
This article first appeared in ExchangeDaily, iTWire’s daily newsletter for telecommunications professionals. Register here for your free trial.
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Article source: http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/regulation/43487-government-tables-response-to-reps-cyber-crime-report
Category: Cyber Crime
Article source: http://nationalcybersecurity.com/?p=41182