Europol has signed a memorandum of understanding with communications company BT to exchange threat intelligence data and reinforce cybersecurity across Europe.
As well as creating a framework for the two organisations to exchange threat intelligence data, the memorandum of understanding facilitates the sharing of information relating to cybersecurity trends, technical expertise and industry best practice, to reinforce the creation of a safe cyber space for citizens, businesses and governments.
BT will work alongside Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), which works to strengthen law enforcement responses to cybercrime in the EU. The EC3 relies on a number of information sources to facilitate this, and BT is one of the most proactive telecoms companies in identifying cyber threats across its network.
How will the collaboration work?
BT employs some 2,500 cyber security experts worldwide, who have helped to identify and share details of more than 200,000 malicious domains, which in turn has allowed relevant authorities to take action to protect customers and other stakeholders from threats.
Earlier this year, BT became the first telecommunications provider to share information on malicious software and websites with other internet service providers via a free online portal, to aid them in tackling threats. This information will now be shared with Europol, to aid in investigating and pursuing the criminals responsible.
What have the stakeholders said?
Steven Wilson of the EC3 said that the memorandum of understanding to exchange threat intelligence data between Europol and BT will improve the capabilities and increase the effectiveness of both organisations in preventing, prosecuting and disrupting cybercrime, in order to further the aim of creating a safer cyber space for all Europeans.
He explained: “Working co-operation of this type between Europol and industry is the most effective way in which we can hope to secure cyberspace for European citizens and businesses. I am confident that the high level of expertise that BT bring will result in a significant benefit to our Europe wide investigations.”
