The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has appointed a Sub-Committee, chaired by Lord Broers, to investigate personal Internet security.

Deadline for submitting evidence Monday 23 October 2006

Call for Evidence

The inquiry invites evidence on security issues affecting private individuals when using communicating computer-based devices, either connecting directly to the Internet, or employing other forms of inter-connectivity.

In particular, the Committee invites evidence on the following questions:

Defining the problem

What is the nature of the security threat to private individuals? What new threats and trends are emerging and how are they identified?
What is the scale of the problem? How are security breaches affecting the individual user detected and recorded?
How well do users understand the nature of the threat?

Tackling the problem

What can and should be done to provide greater computer security to private individuals? What, if any, are the potential concerns and trade-offs?
What is the level of public awareness of the threat to computer security and how effective are current initiatives in changing attitudes and raising that awareness?
What factors may prevent private individuals from following appropriate security practices?
What role do software and hardware design play in reducing the risk posed by security breaches? How much attention is paid to security in the design of new computer-based products?
Who should be responsible for ensuring effective protection from current and emerging threats?
What is the standing of UK research in this area?

Governance and regulation

How effective are initiatives on IT governance in reducing security threats?
How far do improvements in governance and regulation depend on international co-operation?
Is the regulatory framework for Internet services adequate?
What, if any, are the barriers to developing information security systems and standards and how can they be overcome?

Crime prevention

How effective is Government crime prevention policy in this area? Are enforcement agencies adequately equipped to tackle these threats?
Is the legislative framework in UK criminal law adequate to meet the challenge of cyber-crime?
How effectively does the UK participate in international actions on cyber-crime?

Links

Documents

Fraud Review released by Attorney General Lord Goldsmith, calls for a National Fraud Strategic Authority and a Lead Police Force to combat fraud across the UK, plus a National Fraud Reporting Centre with "the capacity to accept crime reports from victims".
Internet Fraud ORG Internet Fraud Page

Press

2006-07 - The Register - Lords Committee to debate internet security: Author: John Oates; Summary: The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee is to investigate personal internet security. They are calling on members of the public with direct experience to get in touch.

2006-07-28 - out-law.com - Lords explore internet security: Summary: The first Parliamentary inquiry into personal internet security is being launched this week on what the House of Lords describes as an issue of "ever increasing importance to the public, businesses and Government".

2006-07-28 - Security Park - House of Lords Science and Technology Committee launches new inquiry into personal internet security: Summary: The Committee are inviting evidence on a range of issues to do with personal internet security. Members are keen to receive evidence from members of the public who have had direct experience of problems with internet security.

2006-07-28 - 24dash.com - Lords to probe Internet security: Author: Ian Morgan; Summary: The move by the House of Lords science and technology committee comes amid the expanding use of home computers, the spread of broadband and the rise in internet banking and commerce.

2006-07-28 - PC Pro - House of Lords to investigate Net security: Author: Alun Williams; Summary: The House of Lords is turning its attention to the issue of Internet security and its threat to the individual. Citing the spread of broadband and the increase of e-commerce, its Science and Technology Committee is launching an inquiry 'to investigate personal internet security'.

Personal Internet Security Consultation

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