EU-funded eFirst 2.0 project helps tackle cybercrime

Retrieving electronic evidence promptly and asking the right questions can make the difference in solving cybercrime cases. The e-learning package eFirst 2.0 aims to equip law enforcement agents with the basics of electronic evidence and crimes related to new technologies.

eFirst provides a self-paced e-learning package focused on IT forensics and IT crime knowledge. The training is accessible online and addresses good practices in the field of e-evidence, methods for seizing it and supporting victims of cybercrimes.

From 2023, a team of over 30 cybercrime experts from police forces across the EU adapted this training to the latest developments of technologies and crime. The user feedback has also contributed to the interface and content structure.

The latest version eFirst 2.0, launched in November 2024, covers complex topics such as online child sexual abuse and exploitation, cryptocurrencies, the dark web, serving as a valuable tool and source of information on cybercrime.

With a potential audience of 1.6 million first responders at crime scenes in Europe, the training package is available free of charge to all law enforcement agencies.

Next steps involve translation into some EU languages, adapting it to national context and ensuring regular updates. Through its members and partners, European Cybercrime Training and Education Group (ECTEG) promotes translations into non-EU languages, contributing to the global fight against cybercrime.

Background

The initial version was launched in 2013 and translated into 14 EU languages. It was widely adopted by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and deployed in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Norway and Poland, among other EU countries.

The training is developed by the European Cybercrime Training and Education Group (ECTEG), a non-profit organisation gathering over 30 law enforcement agencies from 20 European countries, international bodies and academia. This project, together with other ECTEG’s training course developments, is financed by the European Commission under Internal Security Fund with budget of EUR 2 849 645.

Find out more:

eFirst: First responders e-learning package

Project information