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EU must help tackle cyber crime - Nicholson

Jim Nicholson MEP Conservatives and Unionists Euro candidate has voiced his concern about the growing phenomenon of cyber crime, commenting that it is an issue that must be more adequately addressed at a European level.

Speaking on the campaign trail Mr. Nicholson said:

"Cyber crime is a growing phenomenon that we must begin to tackle in a more coordinated way. In the past computer hackers have had greater interest in causing wide spread disruption to networks, but as recession has gripped the world economy, criminals are becoming more intent on extorting and stealing money from their victims. This is costing people and businesses money in Northern Ireland.

"It is now estimated that up to $1trillion a year is stolen on line and as more and more people shop on the internet and more business is done on the internet, this figure is likely to increase. Cyber crime is beginning to cost businesses and individuals, and as Northern Ireland moves towards a knowledge-based economy we must improve data protection and online security.

"At the moment there is only limited co-ordination across nation-states in Europe and around the world. China, Russia and some areas of Eastern Europe are safe havens for cyber criminals.

"In the next European Parliament I will work with my Conservative colleagues to promote crucial data protection measures at the European level. We also need stronger participation in global forums on cyber crime and greater representation to those countries which harbour cyber criminals. In order to protect businesses and individuals across Northern Ireland, it is crucial that we start to get to grips with this growing problem.

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