New training materials for law enforcement to combat cybercrime

European Cybercrime Training and Education Group (ECTEG) has published new training materials for digital forensic investigations and combating cybercrime. The courses are designed for law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities seeking to develop expertise in the fight against cybercrime.

• The eFirst cybercrime and IT essentials package, aimed at law enforcement first responders, includes procedural and legal aspects alongside its technical content. The training serves as a cross-border reference for obtaining electronic evidence in judicial proceedings, containing commentary and case law on the latest developments in the EU processes.
• Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency Investigations course supports efforts to combat criminal activity involving blockchain-related technologies. It combines theoretical instruction through an online module focused on blockchain with practical, on-site labs dedicated to crypto investigations.
• MacOS Basics aims to provide IT forensics experts with the knowledge of basic Mac Operating System analysis, helping them to carry out fundamental analyses and investigations on Mac systems.

The courses are developed in close cooperation with Europol's European Cybercrime Centre, Eurojust, and law enforcement authorities' operational units.

All course materials are available free of charge to the law enforcement audience. The topics covered by ECTEG training range from basic level training with handling electronic evidence and the basics of digital forensics, to advanced courses of lawful description.

The training materials and the necessary IT infrastructure can be requested through the CEPOL National Units and deployed at the national or regional level. In 2025 and 2026, 162 officers were trained to use advanced-level techniques and strategies for handling encryption in cases across the EU and 30 officers learned how to train others.

Background of ECTEG

The main mission for ECTEG is to develop training materials for digital investigations and fighting cybercrime, while supporting international activities such training across borders.

ECTEG started operating in 2001 and was constituted as an International Non-Profit Association in 2016. It has a broad range of members and contributors, including EU/EEA Member State's law enforcement authorities, international bodies, academic institutions, private industry, and experts. It mainly focuses on education and capacity building for law enforcement agencies.

ECTEG activities are funded by the European Commission under Internal Security Fund with a budget of EUR 3 988 184.