(i)
Establishing the SPF Cybercrime Command
27.
The SPF Cybercrime Command was established in December 2015, with the aim of increasing
the agility and effectiveness of the SPF to respond to cybercrimes. The Cybercrime Command
integrates SPF’s cyber-related investigation, forensics, intelligence and crime prevention capabilities
within a single command, thereby improving the coordination and coherence of SPF’s response to
cybercrime. This also enables SPF to work together more effectively with other government
agencies, industry and the public, in responding nimbly to the constantly evolving nature of
cybercrime. For example, analysis of a new cybercrime modus operandi that is shared within the
Command can quickly trigger changes in the content of cybercrime prevention messages; this will
allow the public to be informed early of the new cybercrime trend.
28.
The SPF Cybercrime Command also oversees the Cybercrime Response Teams that are based
in every Police Land Division. These teams assist investigation officers in responding to reports of
cybercrime, by collecting and processing digital evidence, and conducting forensic analysis of
computers and mobile phones. The Cybercrime Response Teams support the Police Land Divisions in
responding more quickly and effectively to cybercrime cases. In addition, these teams are trained to
recognise when more complex cases require the additional support of the Cybercrime Command’s
specialist investigators.
29.
The SPF Cybercrime Command also develops the curriculum for SPF’s specialised cybercrime
investigation training modules. The Cybercrime Command has incorporated cybercrime modules in
the basic training for new Police officers, as well as in the different training courses for investigation
officers. Through the modules, SPF investigation officers are equipped with specialised cybercrime
investigation skills like email header analysis and the process of recognising, collecting and
preserving digital evidence.
(ii)
Boosting cybercrime investigation capabilities
30.
SPF has embarked on several new technology initiatives to improve its cybercrime
investigation capabilities. These initiatives will enable SPF to effectively investigate the rising number
of cybercrime cases, as well as to process increasingly large volumes of digital information, in order
to sieve out necessary evidence for a successful prosecution.
31.
One such initiative is the DIGital Evidence Search Tool (DIGEST), which will automate the
forensic processing of voluminous data. This will in turn lighten the workload of investigation
officers, and enable investigation officers to focus their efforts on more specialised investigation
functions. The tool will also reduce the processing time for digital evidence, ensuring that
investigation officers can follow up on leads expeditiously, and solve cases in a shorter time.
32.
SPF will develop a Video Trawling and Analytics System (VTAS), which will speed up analysis
of video footages. With VTAS, investigation officers will be able to quickly search videos for images of
interest, based on certain defined parameters. VTAS will also allow for the detection, tracking and
recognition of faces, as well as optical character recognition.
National Cybercrime Action Plan
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