The Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC), thorough its projects CyberEast+, CyberSEE, CyberSouth+ and GLACY-e, and in partnership with the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate, organised a comprehensive cybercrime training exercise on elections interference, in light of current cyber incidents targeting the security of democratic processes. The aim of the exercise was to enhance cooperation between cybercrime and cybersecurity experts, including law enforcement, prosecutors, computer forensics, security services and CSIRTs, addressing cyber threats and criminal disinformation within the context of elections.
Over 55 participants from 22 countries, including Africa, the Eastern Partnership region, Latin America, the Southern Neighbourhood Region, South-East Europe and Türkiye participated in this exercise.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Director of the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate highlighted the importance of a sustainable action plan against cybercrime threats based on enhanced cooperation between the technical community and members of law enforcement.
Alexander Seger, Head of C-PROC, set the tone of the exercise by proposing a working definition of the concept of “cyber interference with democracy” as referring to “the use of information and communication technologies to undermine or manipulate democratic institutions and processes, as well as public opinion and trust in democratic governance.”
Based on a fictitious scenario, participants, under the guidance of the Council of Europe consultants and experts of the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate, handled simulated attacks on electoral infrastructure and investigated links to criminal groups interfering with elections through information operations. Real-life skills for forensic analysis and online investigations to identify potential perpetrators and collect intelligence and evidence were tested during the training exercise. In a coordinated approach, the participants conducted activities and recovered data necessary for investigation, prosecution and prevention of further incidents.
The topic of cyber interference with democracy and related concepts, experience and solutions, will be further discussed during the 2025 edition of the Octopus Conference, which will take place in Strasbourg, from 4 to 6 June.
CyberEast+ project
CyberSEE project
CyberSouth+ project
GLACY-e project