Cyber crimes pose more of a threat today than they ever have before; with advanced technology and widespread access to the Internet, millions are capable of a computer-related crime. Texas law handles these cases seriously, as they encompass identity theft, drug trafficking and other serious crimes — not to mention the fact that computer crimes can damage reputations and risk the safety of victims.
Texas is not exempt from the increase in computer crimes over the last decade, and lawmakers are currently working to put a halt to the issue. In addition to the safety risks cyber crimes inflict upon victims, these types of crimes can also endanger financial security across the nation. What, specifically, is being done about this widespread problem?
New Laws
According to the Texarkana Gazette, lawmakers have wasted no time in working to put a stop to cyber crimes. How are they fighting against the issue? Cell phone tracking is one way law enforcement hopes to clear future cases quickly. The Chief Criminal Investigator for Cass County’s District Attorney’s Office reported that the new approach — called the Ratcliffe bill — aims to drastically change the way cyber crime is understood and addressed. Supplying state and local law enforcement with the adequate tools and training to fight cyber crime, the bill is one step forward in the bettering of protection of residents across the state.
Further Protection
Star-Telegram acknowedges the advancements in protection in the state, but warns the public that computer-related crimes are becoming more sophisticated, thus placing the battle nowhere close to an end. In an article from last spring, the Telegram reported that the Texas House passed the Texas Cybercrime Act, making it a third-degree felony for a person to deliberately prevent someone else’s online access. The only exception to that change is if the person is working with law enforcement. House Bill 9 also addresses the altering of data transmitting between two computers in a network or system for the purpose or spreading malware or ransomware. These advancements in law are certainly improvements in a world where at least 4,000 ransomware attacks take place every hour.
