Lack of confidence in Government e-crime approach

The Government is not doing enough to combat electronic crime, according to a new survey carried out by The Corporate IT Forum.

The survey, which found that so-called e-crime has become "too easy and too risk-free" for criminals, is released just weeks after the Government announced the new Police Central e-crime Unit, which is expected to be up and running next year.

Around two thirds of the organisation's members (69%) reported an increase in attacks on corporate IT infrastructure.

In addition, more than half of the organisation's members (57%) said they do not report crime to the police because they do not believe it will be investigated properly. Almost half (48%) called for consistent penalties for criminals and cross-border legislation.

David Roberts, chief executive of The Corporate IT Forum, said that IT bosses did not believe the Government fully understand the seriousness and scale of the cyber crime threat.

He added: "Business confidence in the Government's ability to help them fight cyber crime is at rock bottom.

"Large businesses welcome the formation of the New Police Central e-crime Unit as a good first step - but they think it's only part of the solution.

"Now the Government must pay urgent attention to putting the penalties and legal frameworks in place to deter these criminals - wherever they are in the world."

IMAGESteve Parsons/PA