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International Collaboration in Investigating Cybercrime

With the rapid growth of technology and the increasing interconnectedness of the global community, cybercrime has emerged as a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Addressing this issue requires collaborative efforts on an international scale. Therefore, New Southbound partner countries may consider adapting to international norms to help in the fight against cybercrime.

One crucial aspect of combating cybercrime is the development of comprehensive legislative frameworks and the establishment of international conventions. Since 2001, many countries have signed the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The most important element of the Convention was defining the scope of cybercrime as “a criminal act committed through the use of information and communication technologies” when the internet was still considered a nascent technology (NZG, 2020). As of 2016, 67 states had agreed to the terms of the Convention, which has helped foster cooperation among countries and provide a consistent legal framework for investigating cybercrime (GFCE, 2016). 

However, the Convention was written before widespread internet use, cloud computing, and “the digitalization of just about every kind of interaction” (Daskal, 2020). As such, cross-border information sharing is now even more necessary to locate cybercriminals. On May 12, 2022, 22 parties signed the Second Additional Protocol to the Cybercrime Convention in order to give member states easier access to electronic evidence such as domain, subscriber, and traffic information (COE, n.d.). 

(Credit: Freepik)

Countries are also collaborating through various platforms and organizations to exchange intelligence on emerging cyber threats, attack techniques, and best practices in cybersecurity. For instance, in the November 2017 ASEAN Declaration to Prevent and Combat Cybercrime, countries agreed to bolster capacity training by providing assistance “in the form of training and research facilities” to foster relevant talent (ASEAN, 2017). This sharing of knowledge allows nations to enhance their cyber defense capabilities and develop proactive measures against potential threats. Additionally, capacity-building programs such as the Council of Europe’s Octopus Project are being implemented to strengthen the skills and expertise of law enforcement agencies, judiciary systems, and cybersecurity professionals, enabling them to respond effectively to cyber incidents (COE, n.d.). New Southbound partner countries may refer to these multilateral programs and see if their values align with the latest international efforts to bolster talent in cybercrime prevention.

Countries are also increasingly engaging in joint operations and establishing task forces to combat transnational cybercriminal networks. Notable examples include the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT) formed by Europol and the UN Global Programme on Cybercrime. Launched in 2014, J-CAT involves cooperation among law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and cybersecurity organizations from different countries. By pooling resources, intelligence, and expertise, these joint efforts aim to dismantle cybercriminal infrastructure, track down perpetrators, and disrupt their activities (Europol, n.d.). 

Recognizing the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, many countries are fostering public-private partnerships to combat cybercrime effectively. Governments are working closely with technology companies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to share information, develop coordinated strategies, and enhance cybersecurity measures. In 2016, the World Economic Forum officially laid out several key recommendations which included leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors to help identify vulnerabilities, improve incident response capabilities, and promote the adoption of industry-wide security standards (WEF, 2016). 

Several international organizations play a vital role in coordinating global efforts to fight cybercrime. The United Nations, Interpol, Europol, and regional bodies such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the African Union (AU) have established dedicated cybersecurity units to facilitate cooperation and coordinate initiatives among member states (GL, n.d.). New Southbound partner countries can consider cooperating with these organizations, which provide platforms for dialogue, information exchange, and capacity building, fostering a unified approach to combating cyber threats on a global scale.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the fight against cybercrime demands a collaborative and multifaceted approach. International efforts encompass legislative frameworks, information sharing, joint operations, public-private partnerships, and the active involvement of cybersecurity organizations. By working together, countries can enhance their collective cybersecurity capabilities, deter cybercriminals, and protect individuals and institutions from the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercrime. New Southbound partner countries may consider sharing expertise and resources with countries around the world to ensure a secure digital environment for all.

New Southbound Countries' Policy on Cybersecurity

Sources:

• Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. (July 12, 2016). The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: a framework for capacity building.

• Daskal, J., Kennedy-Mayo, D. (July 2, 2022). BUDAPEST CONVENTION: WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT BEING UPDATED?.

• Council of Europe. (n.d.). Second Additional Protocol to the Cybercrime Convention on Enhanced co-operation and Disclosure of electronic evidence (CETS No. 224).

• New Zealand Government. (July 15, 2020). Cyber Security.

• ASEAN. (November 13, 2017). ASEAN DECLARATION TO PREVENT AND COMBAT CYBERCRIME.

• Council of Europe. (n.d.) Octopus Project.

• Europol. (February 16, 2023). Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT).

• World Economic Forum. (January 2016). Recommendations for Public-Private Partnership against Cybercrime.

• Georgetown Law. (n.d.). International and Foreign Cyberspace Law Research Guide.