House votes to increase penalties for cybercrime.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: News, Trends & Analysis - Brief Article

The U.S. government may not be prepared for cyber attacks, but it is prepared to punish cyber attackers. The House recently passed legislation to increase penalties for computer crimes and make it easier for Internet service providers (ISPs) to disclose dangerous material to government agencies. The legislation also states that immediate threats to national security should be included among emergency instances where law enforcement can tap into computer communications.

Cybercrime is more than an annoyance; it can devastate business, the economy, and the nation's infrastructure. "Our mouse can be just as dangerous as a bullet or a bomb," said Rep. Lamar Smith, (R-Texas), the legislation's chief sponsor.

The bill exempts from civil or criminal liability ISPs that disclose communications to government offices in the good-faith belief that an emergency posing danger of death or serious physical injury exists.

Electronic surveillance tools known as "pen registers" and "trap-and-trace devices" can be used for 48 hours while court authorization is sought if an...