Editorial: Ingenuity necessary to fight cybercrimes

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2000 | 9:51 a.m.

As more people use the Internet, the potential also increases that criminals will try to take advantage of what has been an extraordinary tool for individuals. Not only will illegitimate businesses use the Internet for scams, hackers may also use the Internet to infiltrate reputable companies to get private information from their customers. For example, it was reported Monday that a hacker stole credit card numbers from an Internet music retailer and posted them on a website after a ransom offer was turned down.

Attorney General Janet Reno announced Monday that she would like to see local, state and federal law enforcement agencies create an "anti-cybercrime network." The attorney general's proposal envisions teams of skilled computer investigators and prosecutors. There also would be forensic computer labs and sharing of technology. In addition, Reno believes there should be interstate agreements to enforce out-of-state subpoenas and warrants involving cybercrimes. Reno's proposals sound sensible and should be explored soon before law enforcement agencies get left behind the cybercriminals.