Cyber-crime clamps on way with tough new bill
Experts cautious as they see good and ‘draconian’ elements in plan
NEW cyber security laws to give the government far-reaching powers to clamp down on any information they deem critical are not unlike those of the controversial Protection of State Information Act, experts say.
A bill to counter South Africa’s R1-billion cyber-crime industry seeks to prevent cyber attacks that could cripple the nation.
Security experts cautiously welcomed the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bill, but said privacy and constitutional rights were at stake.
Experts compared the bill to the controversial Protection of State Information Act , which was attacked by freedom of speech activists.
The 128-page draft bill, tabled two weeks ago in parliament, is out for public comment.
Norton’s Symantec 2013 cyber crime report estimates that South African citizens and businesses lose up to R3-billion a year in cyber-crime fraud and attacks.
The bill targets phishing, hacking, illegal interception of data, theft and purchasing personal information online. It also covers malware, like viruses, worms and Trojan horses.
Leading cyber crime expert Professor Basie von Solms said while the bill was a step in the right direction, there were issues that had to be addressed.
“Overall, this bill is the first piece of legislation of its kind in South Africa and is long overdue,” he said.
“However, there is no point having the legislation if no one is going to enforce it. There is no way the government can implement this without assistance from other sectors.
“One of the major benefits is a 24-hour contact point [a hub] that will investigate cyber crime.
“This is great news but the fact remains that you need manpower and specialist skills for implementation,” Von Solms said.
The bill states that various security centres and response teams must be established under government departments and agencies.
These would include state security, police, the telecommunications ministry, and the military.
-Gareth Wilson
