Fibre broadband could boost crime

A leading police authority officials has warned that whilst high speed fibre based broadband can benefit many people and businesses it could also provide greater opportunities for criminals.

The increased roll out of fibre based broadband across the UK is set to benefit many people, and because of the increased speeds that this technology will provide many consumers and businesses with huge benefits. Many people are already signed up to fibre optic broadband in areas where it is available or are planning to do so when it comes to their area.

However, a leading police authority official has warned that whilst fibre broadband will have obvious benefits for consumers and businesses it will also provide ‘Tony Soprano’ type criminals with greater opportunities to commit cyber based crime.

Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said: “There is the potential for gangsters to hire their own writers of software. There is a risk that cybercrime will become their main source of cash flow. The modern Tony Soprano-style crime lord will have a cyber expert on hand.”

He added: “Like a number of other major nations, we may find ourselves victims of our technological progress. Next year, the UK economy will benefit from new high-speed fibre optic internet connections, which could boost online trade by nearly £20 billion. This is a huge opportunity for legitimate commerce – and for online fraudsters.”

Over recent years advancements in technology such as increased broadband speeds have provided many benefits for consumers, but have also raised concerns over increased crime such as fraud and identity theft, which is often carried out online.

Source – PC Pro