Senate Pass Bills to Protect New Yorkers From Cyber Attacks and Terrorist Activity

The New York State Senate today passed two bills to protect New Yorkers from terrorist and criminal activities. The measures, sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville), create new crimes for cyberterrorism and strengthen the state’s existing laws against soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism.

“These measures protect our pocketbooks and our critical infrastructure, including our power grid, public water systems, and our businesses, from cyber crime,” said Senator Tom Croci, Chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee. “I’d like to sincerely thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their bi-partisan support. The time is now for the Assembly and the Governor to pass this legislation and put the protection of New York and its citizens first.”

Due to New York being a major center for international business and commerce, the state is particularly at risk for terrorist activity. Bill S953 creates a new crime for when a person intends to cause widespread financial harm or commits a larceny offense against more than 10 people using computer technology. It also prohibits the use of cyberterrorism to cause mass injury or damage, or to intimidate, coerce, or influence a civilian population or government.

The other bill passed today (S956) increases criminal penalties for soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism. Such a crime occurs when a person plans, prepares, carries out or aids in an act of terrorism; conceals, or escapes from an act of terrorism; or raises, solicits, collects, or provides material support or resources for terrorism. This measure specifically targets money laundering and credit card fraud, which are large sources of funding for terrorist organizations. 

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.