Forwarded From: Modify <modifyat_private> Tracking Global Cybercrime by Claudia Graziano 4:00 a.m. 25.Sep.98.PDT The International Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that it will open a new division to help companies around the world protect themselves against cybercrime. "Basically, any scams you can do terrestrially you can do even easier in cyberspace," said Eric Ellen, the chamber's executive director, who will take the reins of the new division. The London-based unit will work with Interpol to fight heavy-duty technological thievery -- such as money laundering, industrial espionage, and investment fraud -- as opposed to small-time consumer scams like selling nonexistent goods online. Interpol chief Ray Kendall said the international police agency had been pushing for years for such an alliance with the private sector since it could move more quickly than governments in purchasing the equipment needed to investigate high-tech crime. The cybercrime unit will provide the 7,000 International Chamber of Commerce members with information about how and where the myriad types of crimes are committed on the Net and what businesses can do to protect themselves against crackers and fraud artists. A Federal Trade Commission official praised the commission's efforts to raise domestic awareness of Internet fraud. "We welcome any international effort to crack down on cyberfraud, because crime and fraud perpetrated against consumers or businesses only undermines the electronic marketplace and stifles the great opportunities available through Internet commerce," said Paul Luehr, an assistant director at the commission. The chamber said it hopes to persuade governments, including the United States, to wipe out restrictions that limit the spread and availability of strong encryption algorithms. That position flies in the face of US law enforcement, which currently limits the export of powerful crypto on the grounds that it might be used by terrorists. Meanwhile, US crypto advocates have long said that ciphers are better suited to fighting crime than hiding it. "There will be some lobbying on our part, but many businesses can't wait for laws," Ellen said. "Crimes cross international borders, yet existing laws [against cybercrime] are national." The chamber's cybercrime unit will meet regularly with Interpol in Lyon, France, to exchange information and intelligence on cybercrime and its perpetrators. Additionally, the chamber division plans to exchange information with the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center and the FBI's National Security Awareness unit, which looks after the interests of US businesses. Headquartered in Paris, the International Chamber of Commerce establishes rules that govern the conduct of businesses worldwide. The nonprofit group holds top-level consultative status with the United Nations, where it puts forward the views of business in countries around the world. -o- Subscribe: mail majordomoat_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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