ICSPA cyber security group launches to boost international law enforcement efforts

UK government-backed not-for-profit body the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance (ICSPA) was officially launched on Tuesday with a mission to support international law enforcement bodies' efforts to battle cyber crime by channeling funding and expertise their way.

Launched at a central London event by former home secretary and chairman of the organisation, David Blunkett, the ICSPA is a business-led group formed in response to the growing resource pressures placed on law enforcers by escalating levels of cyber crime.

The ICSPA will focus on several key areas, including the promotion of information sharing across public and private sectors and law enforcement, and pushing for agreed standards and accreditation for cyber security training.

Blunkett argued that the ICSPA had a clear remit and would not step on the toes of other organisations working in the cyber security space.

"The last six months have dealt a blow to the sceptics who believe there was an exaggeration taking place in terms of the potential for a cyber attack to disrupt business, conduct espionage, and cause commercial damage," he said.

"It's at this moment a little niche exists for us to grow and develop."

According to ICSPA chief executive John Lyons, a perfect storm is brewing given the pressure on governments around the world to cut public spending at exactly the time cyber attacks are increasing.

"We'll especially concentrate on [helping] cyber crime agencies which face the most challenges," he said. "The truth is that many law enforcement cyber crime units don't have sufficient capacity or capabilities to handle the volume of cyber crime."

The ICSPA's International Cybercrime Assistance Program (ICAP) will see the organisation work with foreign governments and law enforcers to fund projects designed to increase the capability and capacity of law enforcers in designated regions.

The National & Regional Cybercrime Assistance Programme (NCAP), meanwhile, will identify gaps in cyber crime funding in various regions.

Funding will come from annual membership fees, while member companies and other organisations will put money towards the ICAP and NCAP projects.

Lyons added that he hopes the ICSPA will be able to persuade the UK government to "divert resources" from existing cyber security projects which are failing to provide good return on investment, and to secure some European Union funding.

Home Office minister for crime and security, James Brokenshire, welcomed the launch, arguing that "governments can't deliver a safer online world on their own".

"We strongly believe that as this is an international problem there needs to be an international response," he said. "We need common agreements between countries ... an effective law against cyber crime is something every country needs."

The group's founding members include tech vendors Trend Micro and McAfee alongside law enforcement organisation Europol.