MPs to launch malware inquiry

MPs are to explore the impact that malware has on British citizens, as alarm in Westminster rises over the threat from cyber crooks.

The Commons' Science and Technology Select Committee is to hold an inquiry into malware and cyber crime, which will aim to establish whether the government should play a more active role in combating cyber crime. It will examine whether the government should have a role in protecting citizens from malware, much in the same way that it has a role in safeguarding the public from communicable diseases.

Previously, the committee examined the threat to the national security posed by malware and cyber crime. The new inquiry will look at the impact on the individual.

However, some in the IT industry have already dismissed the inquiry.

“The problem for the select committee is that they lack the technical expertise to devise a credible response [to cyber crime],” said Tony Lock, an analyst with research firm Freefrom Dynamics.

“No matter how many expert witnesses they can call on, they are not going to be able to develop a credible policy. The best they can achieve is to raise awareness, and even then it’s open to debate whether a select committee is the best forum.”

The committee is looking for responses by early September.