About Cybercrime

The security of computer and communication systems and their protection against cybercrime is of essential importance. Businesses, administrations and society depend to a high degree on the efficiency and security of modern information technology. Cybercrime can affect telecommunication service providers, banks, individuals and law enforcement authorities.

One major obstacle to effectively fight cybercrime is the lack of awareness.
The vulnerability of today's information society in view of computer crime is still not sufficiently realised. A company's entire production frequently depends on the functioning of its data-processing system. Many businesses store their most valuable company secrets electronically. 

Specifically with regard to the tragic events in the US, the undertaking of serious efforts to improve cross-border co-operation in the fight against crime and to create a consistent legal framework is crucial. 
Effective co-operation between government (especially law enforcement authorities), industry and data protection authorities is an essential element to fight cybercrime but also necessary to find the right balance between the interests of all stakeholders involved. Especially both the privacy of individuals and the rights of victims of cybercrime must be respected. 

Documents related to combating computer related crime

European Commission Communication (COM(2000)890) on 'Creating a Safer Information Society by Improving the Security of Information Infrastructures and Combating Computer-related Crime' (26 January 2001)

PDF: DA, DE, EL, EN, ES, FI, FR, IT, NL, PT, SV

Convention on Cybercrime of the Council of Europe 

OECD guidelines for the Security of Information Systems and Networks

The text of the Guidelines is available in English, French and Spanish. For more information on the Guidelines and other aspects of OECD work on communications technology, journalists should contact: Taizo Nakatomi in the OECD's Science, Technology and Industry Directorate (Tel:[33] 1 45 24 96 93) or go to www.oecd.org//sti/security-privacy.

The European Commission would like to invite comments from all interested parties on the issues addressed in this Communication. Comments may be sent up to 23 March 2001 via e-mail to infso-jai-cybercrime-comments@cec.eu.int

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