Table of contents
- The importance of digital evidence in investigations
- The challenge of VPNs and proxies in law enforcement
- New laws to fight digital crime
- AI’s role in cybercrime investigations
- Cooperation is the key to a secure cyberspace
Cybercrime is an evolving threat that endangers governments, businesses, and individuals. Europol and Eurojust recently published a report highlighting the challenges in digital crime investigations and the need for more effective tools to combat the phenomenon.
The use of advanced technologies by cybercriminals makes it increasingly difficult to identify and apprehend offenders. However, regulatory progress and international collaboration could be the key to effectively countering these threats.
The importance of digital evidence in investigations
Computer crime investigations involve the analysis of huge amounts of data. Evidence is often scattered among remote servers, clouds and encrypted devices, making law enforcement’s job complex. A major obstacle is the volatility of the data:
- Some online service providers retain logs for only a few hours or days before deleting them;
- The lack of adequate tools and specialists slows down the acquisition of crucial data;
- Bureaucratic delays in obtaining information can compromise investigations.
Europol argues that stronger collaboration between authorities and tech companies is needed, as these firms hold vital information for tracking illicit online activities.
The challenge of VPNs and proxies in law enforcement
Another major challenge is the widespread use of VPNs, proxies, and anonymization services by criminals. These technologies, designed to protect user privacy, are exploited for illegal activities:
- Encrypted VPNs make it difficult to trace the origin of cyberattacks;
- Criminals use offshore servers in countries that do not cooperate with Europol;
- Communications occur through end-to-end encrypted messaging, inaccessible even to intelligence agencies.
Despite these obstacles, operations like the dismantling of DoubleVPN and VPNLab show that international cooperation can yield tangible results. However, without regulatory frameworks that facilitate data access, the problem will persist.
New laws to fight digital crime
European institutions are adapting regulations to the digital landscape. The recently introduced Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to speed up data acquisition and ensure greater transparency in online activities. Key changes include:
- Authorities can request information without lengthy bureaucratic procedures;
- Digital platforms have increased responsibility for removing illegal content;
- Stronger collaboration between private companies and law enforcement.
Balancing privacy and security remains crucial: user data must be protected while ensuring authorities have the tools needed to investigate cybercriminal activities.
AI’s role in cybercrime investigations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in combating cybercrime. Europol highlights how automated data analysis can:
- Detect suspicious patterns quickly;
- Identify fraud and cyberattacks before they escalate;
- Process large amounts of data without human intervention.
While AI-powered tools enhance investigations, ethical and legal concerns—such as privacy violations and wrongful accusations—must be carefully managed.
Cooperation is the key to a secure cyberspace
Cybercrime represents one of the most complex challenges of our time. Technology alone is not enough: joint action is needed among governments, companies and international bodies.
Global cooperation, improved digital security laws and the adoption of innovative tools such as artificial intelligence can ensure a safer cyberspace for all.
What do you think? Are we heading in the right direction?
