10:10am Friday 9th May 2008
By Jane Helmich
NEWPORT'S university is joining the fight against cyber crime and identity theft.
It has become an official partner of the e-Crime Wales steering group.
The organisation was created to tackle hi-tech threats to both Welsh businesses and individuals.
Dr Stilianos Vidalis, senior lecturer in computing and information security at Newport Business School, said the surge in social networking websites emphasised the importance of online security.
He said businesses also had to consider the consequences.
"Employees are using them to divulge large amounts of information, and there are also issues about the effects on productivity and cyber bullying."
"Recent data protection scandals have left us all wondering how we can protect ourselves - and who can help."
Dr Stalianos explained that e-Crime Wales was formed as a partnership of public and private sector organisations, including the Welsh Assembly Government, the police and banks.
"Everyone in involved in e-Crime Wales is committed to combating cyber crime, and we have teamed up to provide the help that's needed in the community and beyond."
He added that at the Business School they recognised the importance of understanding the different types of e-Crime and raising the awareness of the public.
" We aim to be able to offer advice on the threats that are active in Welsh cyber-space, and we are proud to be able to do so through the e-Crime Steering Group."
The group is holding its annual summit at the Celtic Manor Resort on June 11.
For full details of this event and the e-Crime Steering Group visit www.ecrimewales.com.
For more information about the University of Wales, Newport's Information Security and Forensics courses contact 01633 432432 or visit http://nbs.newport.ac.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk