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Security Bites 119: Does the Internet need its own Interpol?

Chief security adviser at F-Secure talks about cybercrime and the need for a new international agency to handle such crimes.

Robert Vamosi Former Editor
As CNET's former resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security.
Robert Vamosi
In this week's Security Bites podcast, Robert Vamosi spoke with Patrik Runald, chief security adviser at F-Secure, about the need for a new international agency to handle cybercrime. Although there have been several high-profile arrests--such as that of "Chao," an alleged Turkish ATM skimmer-- Runald said, "the message we're sending today is not enough."

With a budget of only about $90 million (U.S.), Interpol was created, in part, to fight drug trafficking and human trafficking worldwide, and now it has taken on Internet crimes without any direct increase in funding. Runald concludes, "there's not enough resources to do this, and not enough coordination to do this."

He suggests that the European Union, the U.S., and maybe the G8 could fund such an organization. Even the United Nations might get involved. "Whether it's Interpol getting more funding or the U.N. spear-heading, it doesn't matter. The whole point was to raise the topic for discussion."

Runald also said some industries are reluctant to disclose how much is lost to cybercrime. Certainly banks don't disclose how much is lost due to phishing attacks. "If that was well known that might convince governments to help fund this type of organization."


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