The International Criminal Police Organization, more commonly known as INTERPOL, is an international organisation facilitating international police cooperation. INTERPOL has 190 member countries, and focuses on the areas of cybercrime, counter-terrorism, organised and emerging crime. We look at the ways in which INTERPOL supports member countries in preventing and investigating cybercrime.
Operations & investigations
Cybercrime is inherently a borderless crime, which may involve suspects, victims and crimes across multiple countries.
INTERPOL assists member countries in coordinating transnational cybercrime investigations and operations, through facilitating intelligence sharing and providing guidance on best practices in conducting cybercrime investigations.
INTERPOL also has cyber experts who gather and analyse all available information on criminal activities in cyberspace to transmit to countries, which can provide actionable intelligence to law enforcement on the ground.
Innovation
Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their operations, using advanced technologies and methods such as encryption to evade police.
Through the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore, INTERPOL works to develop new cutting-edge policing tools in consultation with partners in the cyber industry, with a view to their use by law enforcement.
Digital forensics
The ability to extract evidence from computers, mobile phones and other devices is critical to a successful cybercrime investigation.
INTERPOL’s Digital Forensics Laboratory provides global support relating to digital evidence, including:
- Analysis of malware submitted by member countries;
- Assistance in examining digital devices;
- Training in the latest digital forensic tools and techniques;
- Sending digital forensic experts to provide on-site assistance during investigations.
Capacity building
INTERPOL works to ensure that police worldwide keep pace with technological developments and have the required expertise and skills to deal with evolving cybercrime. INTERPOL provides a range of training courses, covering topics such as emerging trends in cybercrime, investigation techniques, digital forensics and more.
Training takes the form of e-learning modules, classroom-based sessions and workshops, and can lead to professional certification.
National cyber review
When requested, INTERPOL can review the existing levels of cyber knowledge, abilities and infrastructure within a member country. This helps countries to understand their strengths and weaknesses in relation to cybercrime, and to identify areas for improvement.
Key takeaways
INTERPOL carries out a variety of activities to support its member countries in the fight against cybercrime. It offers support to cybercrime investigations, works to develop innovative new technologies, assists countries in exploiting digital evidence, conducts training sessions and assists countries in reviewing their cyber-fighting capabilities.
