Skip to main contentAccess keys help

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
News imageNews image
Last Updated: Wednesday, 30 August 2006, 07:26 GMT 08:26 UK
Call to step up cybercrime fight
Computer user
Experts warn that online crime is hitting businesses
More needs to be done to tackle internet crime in Scotland, according to business groups.

CBI Scotland has called for more resources to be diverted to tackling cybercrime.

The Federation of Small Businesses said some small traders had been forced to close because they had fallen victim to online scams and fraud.

The cost of internet crime to businesses has risen by over 50% in the last two years.

STAYING SAFE ONLINE
Use anti-spyware and anti-virus programs
On at least a weekly basis update anti-virus and spyware products
Install a firewall and make sure it is switched on
Make sure updates to your operating system are installed
Take time to educate yourself about the risks
Monitor your computer and stay alert to threats

Smaller organisations bear the brunt of these attacks but even larger firms have reported losses of more than �1bn a year through internet fraud and scams.

Business leaders warn that criminals are finding new ways to compromise sensitive information, using malicious software.

Unlike the Home Office in England and Wales, the Scottish Executive does not hold specific figures for online crime.

This has prompting the call for more resources to be urgently diverted into tackling the lucrative activity.


SEE ALSO
Criminals exploit net phone calls
18 Jul 06 |  Technology
Research reveals phishing hooks
05 Apr 06 |  Technology
Fraudsters turn to online crime
08 Nov 05 |  Scotland

RELATED BBC LINKS

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AmericasAfricaEuropeMiddle EastSouth AsiaAsia Pacific