When some dialogues in the wider cybersecurity debates are not progressing quickly enough, with sufficient political will, international collaborative efforts among law enforcement is one area that holds much promise.

Three major events in the international community’s cyber calendar occurred during the week of 13 April to address the demand for more robust global cooperation to combat cybercrime. The inauguration of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore; the Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS 2015) in The Hague; and the third session of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Developments in the field of Information and Telecommunications in the context of International Security in New York; each had a deep focus on international cooperation.

The list of challenges facing communities and governments globally from cybercrime is daunting. Traditional models are no longer adequate for the transnational nature of cyber, which now require stronger international collaboration. Whilst people may be wary of carrying large amounts of cash to avoid being robbed, the reality is that they are far more likely to fall victim to some form of cybercrime. The successful modern-day thief is a far cry from gun-toting Bonnie and Clyde and are increasingly difficult to catch.

… Caitríona Heinl is a Research Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Stephen Honiss is a Detective Superintendent from the New Zealand Police, on secondment to the Cyber Innovation and Outreach Directorate of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore.