No country is an island: embracing international law enforcement cooperation to reduce the impact of cybercrime

With cybercrime as an inherently borderless form of crime, the article explores the roles different actors of international law enforcement cooperation have in countering cybercrime. The tools and platforms for global efforts to counter cybercrime offered by international law enforcement organisations include: information and intelligence exchange; capacity-development; and platforms for public-private collaboration. Among the challenges is the gap between capabilities and capacities to counter cybercrime between countries. Such gaps, together with an at times significant fragmentation in everything from information exchange systems to coordination of support is hampering global efforts. A lack of understanding and exchange between affected sectors and actors warrants closer collaboration. Finally, engaging and building trust with private entities should be a priority when countries formulate their national strategies. Embracing a broad international collaboration mindset by policymakers in national cybercrime approaches will lead to more inclusive and effective cyber policies, helping to protect citizens and reduce the harm and impact of cybercrime on individuals and businesses.