Bill targets law enforcement cybercrime prevention

U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently reintroduced a measure designed to provide law enforcement with resources to enhance cybercrime combating initiatives.

The International Cybercrime Prevention Act would update the nation’s current security framework to match threats by creating new criminal violations resulting from targeting dams, power plants, hospitals, and election infrastructure.

“The more we shift control of everyday life to cyberspace, the more opportunities we open to international cybercriminals,” Whitehouse said. “From ransomware attacks on American companies and critical infrastructure to the pillaging of citizens’ private data for profit, it’s clear we need to arm authorities to protect Americans against cybercrime.”

The bill would also enable confiscation of communication devices and other property used to commit cybercrime while bolstering prosecutors’ ability to shut down botnets and other digital infrastructure used for a wide range of illegal activity.

“When it comes to cybercrime and cyberterrorism, we have lost deterrence,” Graham said. “This legislation will dramatically increase penalties for those engaged in cybercrime and cyberterrorism, hopefully sending the message that America will not tolerate such criminal activity against our economy and our people.”

Tillis said it is time for Congress to ensure the nation’s cyber defense can withstand future attacks.

“This bipartisan legislation will give our law enforcement the tools needed to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and protect critical infrastructure across the nation,” he said.