The Association of Cyber Forensics and Threat Investigators (ACFTI) and the Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Control, and Communication (INSTICC) in Portugal have announced a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at advancing research and education in the fields of cybersecurity, digital forensics, incident response, and threat investigations.

Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Control, and Communication

ACFTI, a non-governmental, non-profit technical organization, has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in cybersecurity practices. With a focus on academics and practitioners, ACFTI aims to create a vibrant community that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. Their mission includes fostering knowledge exchange, supporting compliance with applicable laws, and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

INSTICC, renowned for its expertise in information systems and communication technologies, shares a similar vision. By collaborating with ACFTI, INSTICC seeks to enhance research capabilities, promote interdisciplinary approaches, and address critical challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Key Objectives of the Collaboration

- Research Synergy: ACFTI and INSTICC will pool their resources to conduct cutting-edge research. This collaboration will facilitate joint projects, workshops, and conferences, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies.

- Education and Training: Both organisations recognize the importance of continuous learning. ACFTI and INSTICC plan to organize joint training programs, webinars, and certification courses to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge.

- Policy Advocacy: ACFTI and INSTICC will advocate for robust cybersecurity policies at national and international levels. By leveraging their combined expertise, they aim to influence policy decisions that enhance digital security.

Prof. Walker, Board Chair of ACFTI, expressed his enthusiasm: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone. By joining forces, we can accelerate advancements in cyber forensics and threat mitigation”, "Our shared commitment to excellence will drive impactful research and empower the global cybersecurity community. "he added.

The inaugural joint conference is scheduled for 2025, where experts from academia, industry, and government agencies will convene to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and chart the course for a safer digital future. Under the same agreement, ACFTI members will be given the same conference registration fees as INSTICC members for any current or upcoming conferences.

For more information about INSTICC, visit their respective website: https://www.insticc.org.