It Expert Underlines the Need for Firm Cyber Security Measures and Public Awareness

Trans. by B.DULGUUN

Lawyer L.Galbaatar is one of the few researchers of information security and cybercrimes in Mongolia. He gave an interview about cybercrimes in Mongolia, its impact and ways to protect ourselves from it.

Can you tell us about Mongolia's current stance on cybercrime?

Crimes in Mongolia are regulated by the Criminal Code. The law adopted a new chapter on crimes against the security of computer data in 2002. Although law enforcement agencies try to regulate cybercrimes, their regulation isn't adequate.

The risk of impunity is as high as the liability for cybercriminals is low, and cybercrimes are investigated and concluded within a short period. International experts evaluated that Mongolia's regulatory system is inadequate and advised joining conventions on cybercrime and adopting their objectives and views.

The name of the Crimes Against the Security of Computer Data Chapter of the Criminal Code will be changed and linked to digital services when a new version takes effect September 1, 2016. In other words, the law and regulation will be improved. In particular, the new version will hold any 14-year-old accountable if they illegally access digital information and create, use, sell and distribute any harmful software or hacking programs and technology.

More children are using IT and many adults are using children to misuse information and commit cybercrimes.

How many people have become victims of cybercrime in Mongolia? Have any cybercriminals been convicted for their crime?

The number of cybercrimes registered at the police and those settled by the court are different. Obviously, the number of cybercrimes resolved by the court is fewer because the majority of cybercrimes haven't been categorized as a criminal offense. So it's common for most cyber-related cases to be dismissed before court procedures.

Moreover, only few people report cybercrimes. Most organizations and offices conceal the fact that they have been hit by a cyber-attack since it's likely that they will lose credibility by announcing that their database is no longer secure.

In 2011, Khaan Bank didn't work for a day, saying that they are undergoing a system reform. Some specialists suspected that the bank might have become a victim of a cyber-attack.

Specialists estimate that in reality, there are five to 10 times more cases of cybercrime than the current statistics. It's said that around 2,000 serious cyber attacks are committed annually in Mongolia and that...