The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster this week said government remains committed to fighting and defeating cyber criminals.
Combating cyber crime is listed as the eighth output of the cluster. “Pursuant to this, a Cyber Security Policy Framework will be tabled with Cabinet shortly. In addition, the finalisation of specific cyber crime plans will be a priority for 2012.”
The cluster added that the police have, in the interim, put operational measures in place to deal with incident management in this regard. “The reduction in cyber crime is, however, interdependent and multi-faceted. It requires the intervention of parents in monitoring their children’s online activities in order to ensure they do not become victims of human and drug trafficking, as well as other abuses.”
The increased access to cyberspace has resulted in improved networking and instant communication through the use of social networking sites. Due to their popularity and their instant nature, they have an undesired consequence in that they are tools and platforms that accelerate criminal activities, according to the JCPS cluster.
The Department of Communications (DOC) last month said it would present the National Cyber Security Policy Framework for SA to Cabinet in March.
“The need for all of us to have our SIM cards registered in compliance with RICA [Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act] was among other things intended to combat cyber crime. To date, approximately 37 million SIM cards have been registered in accordance with this legislation. This will reduce the possibility for criminals using cyber technology to plan and execute crime. In this way, we seek to increase the chances of their detection and enhance the quality of evidence which we will present before the courts during trial.”
The JCPS cluster added that, led by the police, it has already begun intensifying cooperation with police services in the SADC region and within Interpol to fight crime syndicates, particularly cyber criminals.
“Furthermore, we are aware of the urgent need to up the skill of our investigators and detectives in order to register more victories against criminals. We have noted commendable work and good progress made by various agencies in attending to, for example, the Post Office heist.”
Three suspects were recently arrested in connection with a R42 million heist at the Postbank earlier this year.
“As part of improving service delivery, we are in the process of reviewing our 10111 operations in order to ensure the efficiency of the system. This may include the revised deployment of resources in order to make the system more effective,” said the cluster.
The DOC last month said the 112 project to make the call centre SA’s national emergency number is back on the cards, after being put on hold.