Cyber-squatters stunt development of e-commerce

Nato's former information security chief has warned that e-commerce will not be possible while internet cyber-squatting is permitted.

Brian Gladman spoke exclusively to Network News on the recent case of cyber-squatter Alex Nelson, who last week forced the Inland Revenue to buy back the domain name www.inlandrevenue.org.uk. Nelson had been using the address to direct surfers to his ticket sales company in County Durham.

"Cyber-squatters are misrepresenting legitimate e-businesses and undermining net-based commerce," Gladman said.

He added that the problem will become worse if measures are not taken to ensure companies that the sites they visit are genuine.

Gladman also urged companies hoping to set up e-business infrastructures to make sure they have digital signatures so their customers can positively identify them. "The way around this problem is not to legislate against the misuse of domain names, but rather to encourage companies to get digital signatures."

Digital signature technology has a way to go yet, although companies like BT Trustwise provide digital signatures and will verify a company's identity upon request, he said.