Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any assessment that has been made of the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence by criminals conducting cyber-attacks.
Minister of Justice: We all recognise the benefits and opportunities that the online world presents. However, we also know that increasingly many forms of criminality are now conducted online and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the capability of increasing the scale, speed and sophistication of criminals in cyber-attacks and also in cyber-related crime. Whilst some elements of cyber-crime fall in the reserved sphere, I am determined to do what I can to ensure criminal justice agencies have the appropriate legislative tools to reduce the harm caused by cyber-crime.
Last summer, I visited the PSNI Cyber Crime Centre and saw first-hand how complex and demanding this work is, yet how vital it is to protect the public. Within PSNI, a number of specialist units, including the Cyber Crime Investigations Team, have strong working relationships with UK and global partners to tackle cyber-related threats. They have well established information sharing and investigative partnerships at the national, international and global levels.
The Organised Crime Task Force, a partnership between law enforcement agencies, other relevant organisations and Departments, is a well-established strategic forum for identifying emerging threats and delivering a coordinated response to serious and organised crime in Northern Ireland. This enables a multi-agency response to any emerging threats identified by partners, including those which are cyber-related.
The Member may wish to note that the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre, which falls under the remit of the Department of Finance, also plays a key role by providing advice and guidance to public and private organisations and citizens to improve their ability to defend against cyber-attacks, increase their knowledge of cyber threats, and become more cyber resilient.
ENDS
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