Europol's EC3 and CISPA join efforts in combating cybercrime

Last Friday, Europol's EC3 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for IT-Security, Privacy and Accountability (CISPA) in order to promote cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. The MoU was signed by Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Prime Minister of the German Federal State of Saarland, Europol's Deputy Director of Operations, Wil van Gemert, and the Director of CISPA, Professor Michael Backes, during a visit to Europol's headquarters in The Hague. Given CISPA being located in the German Federal State of Saarland, the conclusion of the MoU by the competency centre has been supported by the Government of Saarland.

On the signing of the MoU, Europol's Deputy Director of Operations, Wil van Gemert, commented: "Europol's EC3 is pleased to initiate cooperation with CISPA, creating further capacity to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. The cooperation will enable the exchange of expertise in the areas of malware, cryptography and other cyber topics, which will aid the global fight against a whole range of online crimes."

Prime Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer said: "In concluding the MoU with Europol's EC3, another step towards our common goal to keep citizens safe has been taken. The wide spectrum of Europol's tasks will be supported significantly by the researchers located in Saarland, with the aim to enhance efficient cooperation at regional, national and international level – because crime operates beyond all borders. Fighting cybercrime, in particular, increasingly requires law enforcement authorities to work effectively with private industry and academia."

Professor Backes concluded: "CISPA is convinced that this MoU can serve as an example for academia to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and private industry at European level and beyond. Especially the challenges in the area of cybercrime require a joint effort of all stakeholders."

The MoU allows Europol and CISPA to cooperate extensively in the field of cybercrime. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on Europol's operational activities such as combating cybercrime, terrorism and common efforts of EU Member States to counter terrorist and violent extremist material distributed through social media.