New research conducted by specialist technology consultants McConnell International, highlights that even though the world is aware of the increase in internet crime, that there is still an absence of legal standards making it very difficult to prosecute offenders in many countries.

Out of the 52 countries that were surveyed, only 9 had amended their laws, although 17 are currently in the process of doing so. Security breaches in the first three-quarters of 2000 had already increased by 54% over all of 1999.

The Council of Europe are however working on an international cyber crime treaty to cover the destruction of data or hardware, the distribution of child pornography, theft of copyright and other internet crimes. This will also allow other law enforcers the right to investigate any crime that has evidence stored on a computer, in accordance with the controversial provisions embedded in the UK's regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.