Wales Businesses Are Susceptible to E-Crime

Businesses and homes throughout Wales fail to ensure adequate protection on their computer networks leaving them virtually open to online fraudsters and thieves, says Chris Corcoran, detective chief superintendent of the North Wales Police. He was speaking prior to the E-Crime Wales Summit 2007 getting ready for March. According to Corcoran, a majority of wireless networks in the region do not have the necessary security.

On February 5, 2007, Newswales published a statement by Chris Corcoran that a study of random samples in North, Mid and South Wales showed that a large number of wireless networks are exposed to the Internet virtually without any security.

Corcoran compares the situation with a person who leaves his front door unlocked while displaying a welcome sign. Computers are storehouses of lot of confidential data on commercial and personal information. It would be risky if that were accessible to just anyone, something that could result in damage or breakdown of business.

Corcoran remarked, many enterprises and organizations did not still realize the importance of a strong IT security, whereas it should be their top priority. He added, companies lacking the necessary security measures to safeguard their computers holding secret business information could face immense loss if they fell victim to e-crime.

Certain public and private sector organizations together with the four Welsh Police Forces are set to host 'E-Crime Wales Summit 2007' on March 2, 2007. The conference will focus on e-crime, its effect on Welsh businesses and how private and public players and citizens of Wales can counter it.

Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, Andrew Davies said in a statement on February 5, 2007, the two most crucial areas of economy were information and communications apart from modern communities. While the Welsh economy moves ahead and adapts new technologies to communicate with businesses, customers, friends and family, it is also important to maintain strong security for all systems.

Microsoft recently became concerned about the Home Office failing to implement sufficient 'online crime reporting channels' since the Serious Organized Crime Agency took within its fold the activities of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, reported the Register.

Related article: Wells Fargo Computer Crashes, a Boon for Phishers

» SPAMfighter News - 2/14/2007