At Senate Hearing Assessing Cyber Threats By Hackers, Leahy Unveils Anti-Hacker Legislation

February 16, 2000

WASHINGTON (Feb. 16) -- With the recent spate of cyber hacker attacks still fresh, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard today from Attorney General Janet Reno, FBI Director Louis Freeh and industry leaders about threats to Internet security and how the government and industry can better respond to this growing international menace.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, a senior member of the Department of Justice appropriations subcommittee, today unveiled a new anti-hacker bill with the following key provisions, including: 1) enhance federal investigative authority to address global hacking incidents; 2) broaden the definition of "loss" to account for the full costs to the victims of hacking incidents and to clarify the scope of federal jurisdiction over these crimes; 3) help law enforcement deal with the challenge posed by encryption technologies by establishing standards and procedures for law enforcement to access decryption assistance.

Leahy also touted his "Computer Crime Enforcement Act," which he and Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) introduced last summer. That bipartisan bill would set up a $25 million grant program within the Department of Justice for states to tap for improved education, training, enforcement and prosecution of computer crimes.

"Technology has ushered in a new age filled with unlimited potential for commerce and communications," said Leahy, also the Democratic Leader of the Senate Judiciary Committee, at today's hearing. "The Internet age has also ushered in new challenges for federal, state and local law enforcement officials. Congress and the Administration need to work together to meet these new challenges while preserving the benefits of our new era."

Leahy's full statement from the hearing and a summary of the legislation to be introduced next week are available upon request. Audio cuts of Leahy's statement are available at 1-800-511-0763, Mailbox # 3, Password: LEAH.