UK must learn from Japanese computer laws
Computer Maintenance and Repairs - 11/07/2006 12:50:13
The UK needs to be more aware of the risk to computers from spyware, according to computer protection firm Webroot.
It points to a crackdown in Japan where the number of people arrested for attacking computers with spyware programmes has doubled over the last four years, will 116 people charged for this offence in 2005 alone, reports the Net4Now website.
The firm said that the newly established Serious Organised Crime Agency needs to tackle the problem just as strongly, as its research for the first quarter of 2006 found that there has been a significant increase in overall spyware infection rates in many countries.
Spyware and other unwanted software refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you.
Britain is one of the countries to suffer from a growth in the problem, with an average of 31.7 pieces of infection per PC, according to Webroot.
The firm also said a separate approach is needed to dealing with spyware, as opposed to grouping it with viruses, because there are "fundamental differences" between the two.
Consumers can ensure that their computers are not badly affected by spyware and other problems by calling on computer maintenance and repair companies.