Italy government proposes tougher jail terms for cybercriminals

Italy’s government is set to propose tougher jail terms for cybercrime and stricter disclosure rules for public bodies that come under attack from hackers, according to a draft law seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

The bill, set for discussion at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, comes after repeated instances of ransomware and other cyber attacks against Italian ministries, banks, local health authorities and other public institutions.

It raises penalties for breaking into IT systems to between two and 12 years, depending on whether it is done with the use or threat of force, whether public officials are involved and whether national security or the public interest is under threat.