Law is being tightened – Drastically higher penalties for internet extortionists

The current amendment to the Penal Code provides for stricter penalties, in particular for cyber-attacks against companies and governments. Small and medium-sized companies are particularly affected, where such attacks can cause enormous damage.

Instances of internet fraud are on the rise
This kind of thing or something like that happens several times a month in Austria: the perpetrators send an innocent-sounding email with an attachment to companies. Once opened by unsuspecting employees, encryption software can shut down the company’s entire IT system: customer data, orders and invoices can no longer be viewed. Shortly after, the hackers send another email demanding a ransom to unlock the system again. “Many entrepreneurs give in to these demands for fear of possible loss of reputation and wages,” says the Home Office – and the number of such cases is on the rise.

The planned increase in the penalty for hackers from now 6 months to 2 years gives the police and the public prosecutor’s office more investigative powers. For offender groups from abroad, a European arrest warrant can be obtained and the perpetrators can be extradited to Austria. “In most cases, these hacker groups are based abroad and organized very professionally,” the Ministry of the Interior emphasizes.

Cyber ​​Cobra gets a boost
The fight against cybercrime and in particular preventive measures are at the heart of criminal service reform, as reported by the “Krone”. The “Cyber-Cobra” – the competence center for cybercrime in the Federal Criminal Investigation Department – is being expanded in terms of staff, specialists at key service points must ensure faster investigations and targeted prevention at district level.