Cybersecurity needs work, experts say

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WASHINGTON, May 3 (UPI) -- A global effort is needed to combat cybercrime as it evolves to include state and non-state actors, a European commissioner told U.S. delegates.

Australian police last month said they arrested the ringleader of a cybercrime group that targeted the CIA website. A report Friday from Internet security provider Trend Micro says that the Latin American cybercrime network is "filled with organized groups led by a mix of political and financial motives."

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom told George Washington University that combined efforts are needed to enhance cybersecurity but there were no quick fixes.

"Instead we need to continue focusing on delivering tangible results," she said. "Even if each one only feels like a small step, they are steps in the right direction and that is how we gradually change the game."

Hacking group Anonymous has targeted a wide range of networks, while China was blamed for a series of attacks on U.S. computer networks.

"We see that organized crime groups are getting stronger," Malmstrom said. "State-sponsored attacks are also a growing problem, as is the threat from non-state actors."

Trend noted that political leaders are aware of the growing dangers of cybercrime but efforts are restricted in terms of expertise and a general lack of resources.