British Computer Society sets up online crime task force

20:00 16th December 2008

The British Computer Society (BCS) has launched a new think-tank dedicated to tackling cyber-crime.

BCS Cybercrime Forensics Specialist Group will provide vital resources to the security services as well as offering support to organisers in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

Online fraud costs individuals and businesses £6 billion annually and is a rapidly growing problem.

Denis Edgar-Nevill, BCS chairman, commented: "The growing complexity and vulnerability of computer systems coupled with ever-evolving forms of criminal activities requires continual research and development to safeguard the integrity and security of systems for computer users."

He added that the task force should be the first point of call for a business or individual concerned about an online security breach and lessons would be learned from the Chinese in their preparations for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The Cybercrime Forensics Specialist Group will be one of the sponsors of the International Conferences on Cybercrime Forensics Education and Training taking place at Canterbury Christ Church University next year.