MARKET NEWS

Tougher penalties for computer crimes

T o comba t o f f ences by ' c y b e r c r imina ls ' the Singapore Government has increased penalties for

computer crimes while spelling out new forms of computer-related offences under amendments to its Computer Misuse Act.

A Government spokesman said that between 1993 and 1995, there were three reported computer crime cases, all related to cloning of mobile phones. But in 1996, there were 14 cases - - two were related to computer hacking and four were unauthorized access. Last year, the number of cases increased to 39.

The amending Act which was passed on 30 June, introduces the concept of 'protected computers ' , which are systems used in connection with national security, banking and finance, emergency services and essential public services. Fines of up to $100 000 or a

jail term of up to 20 years can be imposed under the new law for o f f ences c o m m i t t e d aga ins t these systems.

Punishment for crimes of unauthorized access, unauthorized modification to computer material, or unauthorized use or interception of computer services are also raised. Stiffer penalties are laid down for repeat offenders.

The amended Act defines new offences. Those who are unauthorized to access computer systems but use that authority to commit crimes will now be liable under the Act, as are those who interfere with or obstruct the lawful use of a computer. Revealing passwords or access codes for any wrongful gain or unlawful purposes will now be an offence under the law.

Frank Rees

British company supports Privacy Partnership campaign U K company Tele2 UK has announced that it plans to join the Privacy Partnership, a consumer education

campaign spearheaded by TRUSTe, America Online, Excite, Infoseek, Lycos, Microsoft, Netscape, Snap and Yahoo!. The campaign was launched at Internet World in New York and is expected to be one of the largest online advertising campaigns of all time.

For the duration of the campaign Tele2 UK will run a banner on its Web site that links to the Privacy Partnership campaign Web site (www.truste.org/partners) to encourage its customers - - teleworkers, small office or home office workers, as well as small, medium and large enterprises - - to learn more about protecting their online privacy. The campaign Web site contains valuable resources for consumers and Web site owners, and offers other companies the chance to show their support for the campaign by downloading banners.

Computer Fraud & Security November 1998 3723/98/$19.00 © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved