In Austria, police are likely to be given more investigative options in cyber crime cases in the future. In addition, the penalties for hackers are to be increased. At least, that is the intention of a draft law that was recently submitted for review.
According to the bill, hackers will be punished with up to two years in prison in the future. For attacks on critical infrastructure (KRIITIS), the maximum penalty is to be increased to three years. In addition, undercover investigations by the criminal police, the establishment of a so-called “cyber cobra”, cell phone peeping and prosecution abroad are to become possible. Once the law enters into force, a European arrest warrant could be obtained and criminals could be extradited to Austria. “Taking decisive action against cyber criminals needs consistent measures at various levels. Increasing penalties for hackers is an important step,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.
