US wants global cyber security strategy

The US has demanded a global response to the threat from cyber crime and cyber terrorism.

The Obama administration wants to impose an international set of security standards, including penalties for nations and organisations that fail to comply, according to a report in the New York Times.

The report added that White House officials hope that the strategy would prompt China and Russia to better control cyber crime in their own countries.

Charlie McMurdie, the head of the Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU), recently told Computing that her division already works closely with international bodies, including those in the US.

The PCeU works with numerous international partners such as the FBI, US Secret Service, ENISA (European Network and Information Security Agency), Europol and Interpol.

"Every investigation has an international context," explained McMurdie. "Attacks and data get disseminated around the globe at the click of a switch, so it's crucial we have a co-ordinated not just national but international response."

Last week, the US announced plans to intervene and take control of the security of firms in key sectors, such as financial institutions and energy companies, where it deems necessary.