According to Eircom’s IT Security department company directors could soon be held responsible for data breaches.

As soon as the Irish government brings the international Convention on Cybercrime into law, company directors may be prosecuted if it investigations uncover that they failed to adequately secure customer information that ends up stolen by hackers or cyber criminals.

Cyber Crime is said to be more profitable now that the drugs trade and countries around the world are stepping up their efforts in bringing about legislation and putting laws in place that will hold companies responsible for any breaches that may occur.

As broadband proliferates around the world in places such as Russia, China, and Africa Irish businesses may find that they are under increasing attacks from hackers who are out to gather information with the hope of selling it on. Without taking the steps necessary to ensure that their company network is secure directors may find themselves paying huge fines or possibly even imprisonment.