U.S. Senate panel OKs cyber-crime bill

Cyber criminals could face stiffer punishments under a bill passed through the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

The committee voted unanimously to add sections of a cyber-crime bill introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., to another bill, the Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act. The combined bill subsequently passed the committee by a unanimous vote.

The legislation now can proceed to the floor for final approval by the Senate.

The combined bill would criminalize acts that threaten a computer network, groups of employees or disclose confidential information. The measure would also allow federal authorities to seize computers that may have been used in the crimes.

Hatch said that the new laws would have a "positive impact on security" and potentially deter cyber crimes.

"As criminals adapt their tactics and exploit technological changes and loopholes in the law, it is imperative that Congress help federal law enforcement to maintain their vigorous efforts to combat cyber-crime activity," Hatch said in a statement. "As potential criminals learn about the new tools available to law enforcement personnel, many will be deterred from perpetrating illegal activity over the Internet."