A European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) at Europol has opened. It’s tasked with tackling organised crime groups doing online fraud; online child sexual exploitation; and cyber-crime threatening critical infrastructure and information systems in the European Union.
According to organisers the centre will be the focal point in the EU’s fight against cybercrime, contributing to faster reactions in the event of online crimes. It will support member states and the European Union’s institutions in building operational and analytical capacity for investigations and cooperation with international partners.
Director of Europol, Rob Wainwright, said: “The establishment of the European Cybercrime Centre will be a landmark development in the EU’s fight against cybercrime. I am delighted that the Commission has proposed its establishment at Europol. Organised crime groups, terrorist groups and other criminals are quick to exploit the opportunities afforded by developments in technology, and the time is ripe for the authorities to get one step ahead. The European Cybercrime Centre will provide governments, businesses and citizens throughout the Union with the tools to tackle cybercrime. Building on Europol’s proven track record and unique expertise in this area, and with the support of the Member States, other EU bodies, international partners, and the private sector, the European Cybercrime Centre will make the EU smarter, faster and stronger in its fight against cybercrime.”
Wieland Alge, VP and general manager for EMEA at Barracuda Networks applauded the news. He suggested that the European Commission is taking cyber crime seriously by investing in the centre. “Because of the international nature of cybercrime – where country borders no longer restrict criminal operations – having one organisation that can oversee and co-ordinate things has to be a step in the right direction. However, even this European-wide initiative makes it difficult to effectively bring criminals who threaten our lives and economy to justice. As for trying to rely on national prosecution, it is simply is not enough. Prosecution of criminals needs to happen on an international basis, since they are internationally organised. However, protection against attacks must take place in each country where the victim resides. In order to help address this and support growing international initiatives, precautions must be taken at all levels to prevent the crime happening in the first place. A good start is by ensuring effective perimeter defences such as firewalls and strong security policies are in place to start with.”
