The EC3 Advisory Groups – Law Enforcement and Private Sector Meetings to Discuss Latest Cybercrime Threats and Challenges

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) continues to strengthen its work with the private sector in the joint fight against cybercrime. This week, EC3’s three industry Advisory Groups met at Europol in The Hague to discuss the latest cyber-related threats and trends, including 5G, new forms of online payments, and attacks against critical infrastructure.

The goal of the Advisory Groups is to provide a forum for law enforcement and the private sector to cooperate on cybercrime-related threats and challenges, fostering collaboration on both a strategic and operational level.

Network operators from the Advisory Group on Communication Providers met with investigators to discuss the security challenges related to 5G, in particular lawful interception capabilities, cyber threats and investigative challenges.

On the second day the Advisory Group on Financial Services, brought together banks, card schemes and financial sharing organisations to discuss new means of payment and secure authentication mechanisms, as well as how these impact financial cybercrime.

Finally, the Advisory Group on Internet Security gathered to discuss attacks against critical infrastructure and the anatomy of an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT). Investigators presented case studies on different threat actors’ Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP), as well as how information sharing with law enforcement can be improved.

Steven Wilson, Head of EC3 said: "The EC3 Advisory Groups are a vital component in Europol’s fight against cybercrime. The commitment and expertise shown by each of the groups’ members ensure that we have an outstanding network on which we can build our successes."

EC3 established the Advisory Groups on Financial Services, Internet Security and Communication Providers to foster trust and cooperation between key private sector industries and law enforcement in their joint fight against cybercrime. They meet separately three times a year at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague to share strategic information related to cybercrime threats and trends in their respective business areas, as well as to agree on joint initiatives alongside law enforcement.