FREETOOL v3.0 - Integration and Consolidation

ended

The objective of FREETOOL v3.0 is to vastly enhance the usability and accessibility of the outputs from previous FREETOOL (FT) projects through a comprehensive programme of large scale user testing, tool refinement, tool packaging and resource development. The project activities will include: Two ‘Testathon’ events, where LE participants will run the tools through a range of investigation scenarios. The testathons will give LEAs and FT developers a chance to work together to address any bugs or issues with the software, and also identify further tool requirements. Further development of existing tools to address the most recent LE challenges: Virtual Currency detection/investigation will be introduced to a number of tools, as will extended functionality for use on mobile devices, OSx and Linux. Development of a FREETOOL toolbox where tools will be combined into ‘sets’ for use against a specific challenge and/or crime. There are already several FT tools that can support detection of encryption at various levels, and can also extract data to facilitate password recovery. These tools will be integrated into a single resource. There will also be other tool combinations for Triage (prioritisation of investigations), Image Analysis (identification of child exploitation material) and Dark Net Monitoring. As learning from hefty user manuals is time-consuming, the project will develop a series of 'how-to' videos that will provide practical examples of how the tools can be deployed. A web platform to facilitate communications and feedback between developers and users will also be developed. FTv3.0 will also reinforce links between complementary LE capacity building initiatives through the development of a tool to support visual representation of structured data for both investigations and training purposes. This tools will be developed as an investigation tool under FREETOOL, and extended as a training tool under the European Cybercrime & Education Group (ECTEG)