Expert Response to Europol Internet Crime Report

In response to the 2014 iOCTA (Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment),published today by Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), Professor Alan Woodward of the University of Surrey, and co-author of the report commented:

“Modern cybercrime, especially organised crime is by nature transnational so it is vital that we take an international view of the threat posed by this ever-increasing form of crime. Europol Cyber Crime Centre (EC3) is able to provide a unique perspective on this threat as it has access to data from law enforcement agencies across Europe. It should be seen as a vital piece of work which should be read by all policy makers and decision makers involved in combatting cybercrime.

The report highlights that cybercrime is developing to serve a growing dark economy with “crime as a service” where organised gangs can access highly skilled people to enable them to engage law enforcement agencies in an ongoing arms race. The report also shows how legitimate technologies are being misappropriated by criminals, as well as “traditional crimes” being enhanced by using emerging technologies.

If agencies fail to mobilise to meet the threats highlighted in this report then organised cybercrime will gain the upper hand. However, if agencies work together, across borders, then we can use modern technologies to catch criminals, rather giving them a platform for ever more innovative forms of crime.”

-ENDS-