Legal Responses to Proliferation of Computer Malwares: Comparative Study of US, UK and India

Abstract

Computer malwares such as viruses and worms are often used to assist hackers in identity thefts on the internet for unlawful gains. Internet users are becoming vulnerable to identity thefts especially in the absence of competent international cyber regimes. The concept of criminality in cyber crimes lacks comprehensive approach to convict offenders that make use of these cyber weapons especially to steal sensitive information and hack computer devices belonging to innocent internet users. The borderless nature of digital communication system demands international cooperation. Framing legislative regimes that are universally accepted by States around the globe is a must to restrict hackers from unlawful tampering of data stored in computer devices. Legislative schemes designed to tackle unauthorized access to computer materials still lacks that specific sophistications required in dealing with technicalities of computer malwares. In the age of digital networking, increasing number of Internet protocol breaches and cyber security issues demands States to reach a common consensus on policy themes used in framing cyber laws. To enlarge the grip of cyber laws it is recommended that internationally accepted cumulative legal response mechanism must be reached at the earliest.