What we do at EC3
The European Cyber Crime Centre, part of Europol, helps member states, businesses and citizens protect the online services and devices that we all depend on.
Our mission is to make Europe the safest place to live and work online, so that everyone — whether at work or at home — can navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.
Since 2013, EC3 has supported investigations that safeguard Europe's critical systems and online services, providing world-leading analysis, forensic support and operational coordination. When cyber attacks cross borders — and they almost always do — we are the hub that connects national investigations into a single European response.
EC3 works closely with international partners, law enforcement and the private sector to understand the criminal threat and how to defeat it. We also invest in the next generation: through schools programmes, the Cyber League and our startup and academic partnerships, we are growing the expertise that Europe's security depends on.
Our areas of focus
Cyber crimes committed by organised crime groups
Especially those generating large criminal profits, such as ransomware networks and online fraud syndicates.
Cyber crimes affecting critical infrastructure
Attacks that cause serious harm to the systems and services that victims and member states depend on.
Offences affecting children
Online child sexual exploitation and abuse, pursued with dedicated specialist teams and victim-centred methods.
Attacks on information systems
Intrusion, data theft and payment-system compromise targeting the Union's institutions, businesses and citizens.