In March of 2015 the experts of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) have developed the training programme “Identity theft in cyberspace: Legal aspects”. The training methodology was based on deep analysis of the legal and regulatory practices in the European Union 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.
Lithuanian Cybercrime Centre of Excellence for Training, Research and Education continues to strengthen international cooperation in the fighting against cybercrime. On 23-26 March 2015 a study visit to UCD Centre for Cybersecurity & Cybercrime Investigation (UCD CCI) was organised. The aim of the visit was to gain knowledge and 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. UCD CCI works closely with law enforcement to identify key focus areas for research, training and tool development. At the meantime UCD CCI has been finishing to implement FREETOOL project the goal of which 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 there were agreed that UCD CCI experts would share knowledge and train Lithuanian experts to use chosen tools.
Lithuanian delegation also visited Ireland’s Criminal investigation unit where met with inspector Mr. Michael Gubbins, and visited the Irish police unit “Telecomms unit, Pheonix Park“, responsible for mobile phones and video recording devices forensics.
Another important activity of the Project – 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, MRU experts assessed the changes required on description of legal base, 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 – have visited Lithuania. During the meeting S21, L3CE, Mykolas Romeris University, company “Ekonominės konsultacijos ir tyrimai” and VCP experts discussed a content and adaptation of certification programmes “Digital evidence collection” and “Analysis of windows artefacts”. S21 experts presented the aspects on implementation of these programmes in Spain, encountered difficulties and the lessons learned. Also links between training and certification programmes as well as new opportunities for cooperation, EU training competencies in the field of cybersecurity were discussed. S21 representatives met with Kęstutis Lančinskas, Head of VCP, and Genrikas Nedveckis, Head of 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 required set of computer components was acquired.
Furthermore, L3CE development process continues – in March 2015 Advisory Board approved L3CE operational model, regulation and strategic goals. Besides, information on L3CE portal has been constantly updated, results of the Project have been disseminated on partners’ portals in Lithuanian and English languages, and until May 2015 three press releases were prepared.