In March 2015, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) experts developed the training programme, “Identity Theft in Cyberspace: Legal Aspects”.
The programme is the result of the European Commission funded project, "Lithuanian Cybercrime Centre of Excellence for Training, Research, Development and Education" (Grant Agreement No. HOME/2013/ISEC/AG/INT/4000005176), launched in July 2014 and has now reached the midterm.
The training methodology was based on analysis of the legal and regulatory practices in the European Union (EU) and Lithuania.
Modern crimes of identity theft (ID) require both legal and technologies knowledge from first responders. Therefore, this course was designated for first responders dealing with ID thefts crime cases. Training for 10 LT LEA trainers was organised in May 2015.
The interim report on project results, achieved in activities on L3CE development, Research & Development and Innovation (R&DI), on the development of training courses, certification programmes and dissemination areas, was approved by the European Commission in April 2015.
In addition, the main risks of the project were identified and the means for risks management outlined.
The Lithuanian Cybercrime Centre of Excellence for Training, Research and Education continues to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
March 23rd-26th, 2015, there was a study visit to the UCD Centre for Cybersecurity & Cybercrime Investigation (UCD CCI) organised. The aim of the visit was to gain knowledge and an understanding of practical issues assembling, programming, testing and working with machines.
UCD CCI is a unique, world-class education and research centre with strong and well-established collaborative relationships with law enforcement and industry. The UCD CCI works closely with law enforcement to identify key focus areas for research, training and tool development.
In the meantime UCD CCI has been finishing implementation of the FREETOOL project. Its goal is to build and support a dynamic community of open source forensic tool developers and end users, who are working together to create reliable cybercrime investigation tools for the wider LE community.
Output will be freely available to LE globally, where access to a common set of investigative tools will facilitate the global fight against cybercrime.
VCP experts had chosen the most relevant tools that will be adapted to Lithuanian law enforcement needs. During the discussions it was agreed that UCD CCI experts would share knowledge and train Lithuanian experts to use chosen tools.
The Lithuanian delegation also visited Ireland’s Criminal investigation unit where they met with inspector Michael Gubbins, and visited the Irish Police unit, “Telecomms unit, Pheonix Park“. It is responsible for mobile phones and video recording device forensics.
Another important activity of the Project is transfer and adaptation of Spanish certification programmes. These certification programmes were transferred to Lithuanian LEA in October and December 2014.
Experts from VCP evaluated Certification programmes and MRU experts assessed the changes required on description of a legal base. The L3CE experts estimated changes required for the technological base.
In May 2015 two S21Sec Institute (S21, Spain) representatives – Juan Carlos Rodríguez Rico and Govardhan Ghanshyam visited Lithuania. During the meeting S21, L3CE, MRU company “Ekonominės konsultacijos ir tyrimai” (EKT), and VCP experts discussed a content and adaptation of certification programmes, “Digital Evidence Collection” and “Analysis of Windows Artefacts”.
The S21 experts presented the aspects of implementation of these programmes in Spain, difficulties encountered and lessons learned.
Also, links between training and certification programmes, as well as new opportunities for cooperation and EU training competencies in the field of cybersecurity were discussed. The S21 representatives met with Kęstutis Lančinskas, Head of VCP, and Genrikas Nedveckis, Head of the Lithuanian Police Forensic Science Centre.
Establishment of Forensic Open Source Tools Laboratory (FOST laboratory) is closely linked with localisation, adaptation and configuration of FREETOOL units, according to LEA needs. FOST laboratory establishment started in February 2015, when the required set of computer components was acquired.
The L3CE development process continues and in March 2015 the Advisory Board approved L3CE operational model, regulation and strategic goals.
Besides, information on the L3CE portal has been constantly updated and results of the Project have been disseminated on partners’ portals in Lithuanian and English languages. Until May 2015, three press releases were prepared.
Execution of the project is financed by the European Commission under the Programme ED DG Home Affairs ISEC (Prevention of and Against Crime 2007-2013). The theme is Illegal Use of the Internet and the project will last for 18-months.
A major objective is to improve results in fighting cybercrime in Lithuania as well as cybercrime in the East Baltic Region and the EU.
The project is implemented by MRU in conjunction with Law Enforcement agencies and partners: the Lithuanian Cybercrime Centre of Excellence for Training, Research and Education (L3CE), EKT, the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), the Vilnius County Police Headquarters, Ireland's University College Dublin and S21SEC Institute S.L. (S21), Spain.