EU launches new software package to counter cyber criminals

A NEW programme has been developed to crack down on on-line credit card fraud and other incidents of computer crime.

Designed by a team of 50 computer experts from Europe and the US, together with lawyers and police, the programme is also designed to prevent the downloading of illegal material onto computers.

The EU Cyber Tools On-Line Search for Evidence (CTOSE) project helps identify the crime and the criminal as well as securing the evidence for presentation in court.

European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin, announcing the new development in Brussels at the weekend, said: “Cyber crime hides behind our computer screen and in the wires of global communication networks and services. Business is a prime target but public authorities and even individuals are vulnerable too.”

Crimes include spreading computer viruses, ripping-off credit cards, downloading child porn, company fraud and even hackers interfering with on-line evidence, including removing their names from suspect lists.

The growing amount of business conducted over the internet has led to a mushrooming of criminals specialising in cyber crime.

This has led to fears that businesses and individuals will be less likely to use such on-line services if they cannot be trusted.

The new computer forensic tool helps system administrators, information technology security staff and police to follow standardised procedures when investigating computer crime incidents.

It makes sure that all electronic evidence is legally and properly gathered and preserved so it can be presented as proof of the crime or fraud to company management, industrial tribunals or the courts.

Software has also been developed called C*CAT which tells an investigator what procedures to carry out.

A software legal advisor makes sure the evidence is admissible, convincing and legally obtained. It also ensures electronic evidence can be safely handed over to other investigators.

The software is available to governments and law enforcement agencies from the European Commission free of charge and to companies and the public for a fee.