GANNDALF

Acronym: GANNDALF 
Title: A Ground-breAking collaboratioN framework realizing the next era of cybercrime Detection And muLti-stakeholder investigation For LEAs, judicial ecosystems, and citizens.

What is the GANNDALF consortium about and what challenges does it address?
The GANNDALF project focuses on tackling the growing number of cybercrime, particularly in the form of Crime as a Service (CaaS). CaaS allows cybercriminals to offer illegal services—such as creating malware, launching DDoS attacks, or selling stolen data—on the dark web. These services are becoming increasingly advanced and accessible, making it easier for anyone to get involved in cybercrime. Criminals use sophisticated techniques like encryption and anonymization, which complicate law enforcement efforts to detect, trace, and prosecute these crimes.

GANNDALF addresses the need for more effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and other stakeholders to respond to these increasing cyber threats. Criminals use technologies like cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Monero,...) and mixers to hide money flow, this complicates efforts to track and prosecute them. GANNDALF aims to break down these barriers by providing new tools and frameworks for better information sharing and cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Why is GANNDALF important to VUB?
GANNDALF is important to VUB, especially to our Cyber and Data Security Lab (CDSL) within the Law and Criminology department, as it builds on our expertise in legal and data management related to cybercrime. VUB has been involved in similar projects before, and GANNDALF offers a unique opportunity for us to help develop innovative solutions to modern cyber threats.

The increasing sophistication of CaaS tools makes it harder for law enforcement to detect and disrupt cybercriminal activities. By being involved in GANNDALF, VUB contributes to the development of advanced investigative tools, international cooperation frameworks, and training programs that can help fight these emerging threats. It also positions VUB as a key player in addressing the legal and operational challenges posed by cybercrime, contributing to the global fight against cybercrime.

What are the main goals and methods of the GANNDALF project?
The main goal of GANNDALF is to develop cutting-edge solutions that will enable law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to collaborate more effectively in fighting cybercrime. The project has four primary pillars:

1. Secure information sharing: GANNDALF will create frameworks for privacy-preserving, transparent sharing of data related to criminal activities. This will facilitate cross-border collaboration between LEAs.
2. Advanced investigative tools: The project will deploy a modular toolbox that includes state-of-the-art technologies for cybercrime investigation, prediction, and detection. These tools will allow agencies to work together in real time and utilize digital infrastructures for cybercrime intelligence.
3. Collaborative crime investigation sandbox: GANNDALF will build a customizable sandbox for testing crime scenarios, analyzing hypotheses, and conducting investigations. This will enhance the ability of LEAs to simulate and investigate complex cybercrime cases.
4. Training and policy development: The project will also focus on drafting policies and developing training programs to promote cyber hygiene and improve awareness of cybercrime tactics among citizens and professionals.

What impact will GANNDALF have on the fight against cybercrime and on society?
GANNDALF is expected to set a new standard in the fight against advanced cyber threats and cyber-dependent crimes. Its innovative approach to collaboration and technology will enable faster, more efficient, and trustworthy methods for preventing, detecting, and investigating cybercrimes.

For the wider judicial ecosystem, GANNDALF’s impact will be profound. It will empower law enforcement with better tools, foster stronger international cooperation, and ensure that agencies can respond more effectively to the rapidly evolving landscape of cybercrime. On a societal level, the project will contribute to greater cybersecurity awareness and resilience, helping protect organizations and individuals from the financial, reputational, and operational damages caused by cyberattacks.