Cybercrime constitutes a major threat and the development of cyber security policies and methods cannot but be regarded as a sine qua non of confining this threat. Besides, cyber criminals have shown to be quite advanced as, exploiting the speed and anonymity of the Internet, they have extensively developed and employed new methods of cyber-attacks. Law enforcement agencies must therefore constantly enhance their own knowledge and methods to deal with such cases and meet new threats.
Taking into consideration the above threats, Cyprus Police organised between the dates 16-18/05/2017, the CEPOL course 23/2017 on First Responders and Cyber Forensics. The course took place at Cleopatra Hotel in Nicosia, with the participation of 26 participants coming from 23 Member States. The activity was supported by experts from Cyprus, Belgium, Greece and EUROPOL. Most of the participants were first response law enforcement officials who are specialized in responding to cyber-attacks at the crime scene and to public queries and complains.
The overall aim of the course was to enhance knowledge and the development of practical skills regarding the methodology used in digital forensics for identifying and responding effectively at the scene of cybercrime cases. Additionally, it aimed to the further development of the cooperation between law enforcement and European and International organizations regarding investigative methods and policies in the field of cyber forensics, as well as to the discussion of best practices in dealing with cyber criminality.
The course was beneficial to both the experts and the participants, since they had the opportunity to exchange ideas as regards the practices that could be of use in order to deal with cybercrime cases. Each participant’s expertise and competence contributed positively to the fulfillment of the objectives of the course.
