Criminals To Be Banned From the Web

Cyber criminals are to be banned from the internet, according to plans unveiled in late November 2011.

The measure is one component of the UK's 2011 Cyber Security Strategy, which has many elements designed to protect business and the general public alike from the threat of cyber crime. These elements include the creation of a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit and greater co-operation between law officials and private security experts.

"The strategy heralds a new era of unprecedented co-operation between the government and industry on cyber security, working hand in hand to make the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do business", Francis Maude - UK Minister for the Cabinet Office Paymaster General - explained.

Cyber Criminal Web Ban

There'll also be stronger encouragement given to judges to enforce a cyber criminal web ban, especially where Facebook, Twitter and other communication portals are concerned. These powers presently include limiting cyber criminals to a single email address, a single mobile phone and absolutely banning the use of instant messaging services, too.

Business done online is responsible for approximately six per cent of overall UK Gross Domestic Product, so has a rapidly emerging profile within the world of industry. But cyber criminal activity has impacted significantly on the corporate world in recent months, with many high-profile firms having been targeted.

It's partly for that reason that cyber crime - including the activity of hackers and international espionage agents - is now ranked alongside terrorism in terms of the threat posed. The UK's government networks receive hundreds of thousands of badly-intentioned emails every year, of which circa five per cent are deliberate cyber attacks, including those related to international terrorism.

Cyber Crime Banned From Web

Before thoughts turned to making cyber crime banned from the web, there were instances reported where online terror data had been sent off course. In June 2011, it emerged that officers working at M16 and signals interception organisation GCHQ had, together, altered the contents of an online publication produced by renowned terrorist group al-Qaeda.

Previously, it had featured articles on bomb-making but in their place appeared more benign features on cupcakes and other baking recipes.

In further comments, made to the BBC, Maude added: "It's crucially important that the business world embraces the need to increase their own levels of security but also the public do generally. We're looking to develop hubs - centres of expertise - between the public sector and the private sector so that information about cyber attacks can be brought together. We want Britain to be a great place to do internet business...with the best levels of security."

The 2011 Cyber Security Strategy also aims to help individual internet users work with the best level of security in place. It's estimated that up-to-date anti-virus software could reduce levels of cyber crime by up to 80 per cent and kitemarking security software - so consumers know it's a genuine, approved product - could be one tool used to help in this area.