European parliament approves higher maximum penalties for cybercrime well

The european parliament has approved a proposal from the commission, ‘Civil liberties’, in which a minimum maximum penalty of two years from the hack is approved. With the use of botnets would be the minimum on three years and are in critical attacks on five years.

At the beginning of June, the committee on Civil liberties all in with the proposed minimum maximum penalties. The commission was for a punishment of two years in the EU-member states, in countries that have a lower maximum penalties apply for ‘normal’ hackers. Thus, it applies to the Netherlands for “computer intrusion,” have a maximum penalty of a year.

However, critical infrastructure is attacked, such as systems of government or power plants, according to the EU now a maximum penalty of at least five years. This penalty should also apply if the hacks are carried out by a criminal organization or if there is significant damage is caused. Member states are also obliged, within eight hours to respond to calls for help in the event of cyber attacks.

The proposal is, ultimately, with 541 votes for and 91 against and adopted by the European Parliament. Member states have two years to bring their national legislation to apply.