Robbins: Senate Passes Measure to Protect Computer Users

Harrisburg -- The State Senate unanimously passed legislation this week co-sponsored by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to improve computer security by preventing "spyware," a tool used by cyber identity thieves to obtain personal information.

Senate Bill 711 would make it a crime to distribute spyware to a computer without the user's consent or knowledge. Spyware is a term for a computer program that gathers information through the user's Internet connection and transmits it to a third party. This information, which includes passwords and personal identification numbers, can be used to commit fraud.

"This is a case of technology advancing more quickly than the law. Computers and the Internet provide great convenience, but also great opportunity for thieves," said Robbins. "Passage of this bill will give Pennsylvania the nation's toughest law against spyware."

Robbins noted that in addition to being used by identity thieves, spyware may also affect a computer's basic operations. Spyware can be used to modify a user's bookmarks and home page, manipulate search engines, remove or disable anti-virus software or trigger other harmful downloads to the user's computer.

Robbins said that American Online (AOL) and the National Cyber Security Alliance examined the computers of 329 randomly-selected Internet users last October and found that 85 percent were infected with some form of spyware or adware. Dell Computer now estimates that one of every five customer support calls are related to spyware.

Senate Bill 711 is a major component of a comprehensive package of bi-partisan legislation introduced to protect personal information and prevent identity theft in Pennsylvania. Other bills in the package include measures to require disclosure of computer security breaches and protect credit reports. A bill co-sponsored by Senator Robbins to protect Social Security Numbers is expected to be taken up by the Senate in October.

"Technology has made identity theft the new frontier for criminals, and lawmakers have to stay one step ahead to protect consumers," said Robbins.

Senate Bill 711 was sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322