Cybersecurity Training Falls Short as Cybercrime Continues to Evolve
A recent incident in Texas highlighted the importance of adequate cybersecurity training for law enforcement. Malware was discovered hidden within body camera footage uploaded by police, putting sensitive data at risk as it traveled through the chain of command. This is just one example of how crucial it is for various arms of law enforcement to receive proper cyber training.
Justin Miller, a retired senior special agent with the U.S. Secret Service and associate professor of practice of cyber studies at University of Tulsa, emphasizes that any investigation nowadays will have a cyber component. However, providing officers with the necessary knowledge and skills has proven difficult due to budget constraints and competing priorities. “The real cost turned out to be more cyber training,” Miller notes, referring to the Texas case.
The National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) offers valuable training to state and local law enforcement, as well as prosecutors and judges. However, long-term funding remains a challenge. The NCFI provides hands-on experience with tools such as Faraday bags, which can block signals and help capture volatile memory from computers’ short-term Random Access Memory (RAM). These skills are essential for securing critical evidence.
Yet, the cost of this training is substantial. Even something as simple as Faraday bags, which can cost hundreds of dollars, adds up quickly. Unexpected expenses continually pop up when trying to run cyber operations or create a cyber-aware department. Data storage burdens and concerns about equipment being compromised by cybercriminals are just a few examples.
Another barrier to improving training is focus. Cynthia Kaiser, SVP of Halcyon’s ransomware research center and former FBI cyber deputy director, notes that law enforcement needs not only money but also policymakers willing to make it a priority. Progress can be difficult if leadership doesn’t back it. The culture at the local law enforcement level often defers cases to the FBI if they lack technically trained personnel.
This is not a sustainable system, especially considering the explosion of cybercrime. The Internet Crime Complaint Center receives around 3,000 or more tips a day, making it challenging for the FBI to keep up with all the threats. Victims across America have no recourse and are left without help. We really need to get our local law enforcement better cyber training to be able to be a force multiplier across the U.S.
In conclusion, the lack of adequate cybersecurity training is a major roadblock in policing cybercrime. It’s not just about learning technical skills; it’s also about prioritizing and allocating sufficient funds for training programs like NCFI. Policymakers and law enforcement leaders must work together to address this issue, ensuring that our local authorities have the necessary tools and expertise to combat the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-08-20