WIREDGOV

In a speech at BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, Security Minister James Brokenshire announced the creation of a new Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership to tackle the growing threat of organised and global cyber criminals.

The Home Office is bringing together police, industry experts and academics in the new Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership, jointly led by James Brokenshire and Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts, to ensure police and other law enforcement agencies can stay one step ahead of online criminals.

Security Minister James Brokenshire said: 'For too long the public's perception of cyber crime has been a lone bedroom hacker stealing money from a bank account. But the reality is that cyber criminals are organised and global, with a new breed of criminals selling 'off-the-shelf' software to aid gangs in exploiting the public.

'This government is committed to tackling this threat and we have already had great success. But we want to go further and through the creation of the National Cyber Crime Unit within the NCA and innovations such as the new Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership, I am confident we can bring these criminals to justice.'

Cyber crime

Law enforcement agencies have had a number of significant successes to date.  In its first year the Police Central e-Crime unit, part of the Cyber Security Strategy, has prevented an estimated £538 million of harm being caused.

The Minister added: 'It is important that members of the public or businesses report cyber crimes to Action Fraud(Opens in a new window), the UK's national reporting centre.  Simple steps, such as setting strong passwords and using up-to-date virus software, can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.'