Computer hackers, vandals and fraudsters could face up to 10 years in jail under a new cybercrime law introduced into the NSW Parliament.
"People who believe causing damage by hacking or spreading viruses to be trivial or even amusing activities are wrong. These are serious crimes in the 21st century and people can face up to 10 years in gaol if convicted," State Attorney General Bob Debus said in a statement.
The NSW Government has proposed amendments to the Crimes Act to include provisions covering cyber offences.
"The new offences are based on the latest international moves to fight cybercrime. They will ensure that NSW criminal laws keep pace with international technology and that appropriate penalties are in place," Debus said.
A new offence of "unauthorised impairment of electronic communication to or from computer" would carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Debus said the most recent reports of serious hacking in Australia were in January, when Romanian hackers penetrated 15 federal government Web sites, as well as Western Australia, South Australian government and local council Web sites.
