Cybercrime, digital investigations and web intelligence. Three of the many points touched upon by the Carabinieri of the telematic investigations section of the Naples investigative unit.
In their new role as teachers, the military spoke to a large audience of students from the Istituto Superiore “Francesco Morano” in Caivano. Not the usual lesson but a chat with the youngest, using the shared language of the network, of new technologies. A language usually spoken by the generation of “digital natives” but which hides an often unknown grammar.
And it is precisely on the "network", in its semantic meaning of trap, that the carabinieri focused.
Speaking of the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of the web and especially social media, a huge reservoir of sensitive information, spread without any control or awareness of the dangers.
Not just recommendations.
The specialized Carabinieri of the telematic investigations section explained the most innovative investigative methods used daily. An all-round job that ranges from consulting to territorial commands to forensic analysis, up to web patrolling and profiling. Particular interest was aroused by the contrast and prevention of crimes committed online. Terms that have entered common terminology have found new definitions: spam, phishing, hacking, pharming, malware and botnet.
Expressions that in the common imagination refer to the cinematic universe or dystopian realities that however take on a concrete and alarming weight. Daily bread for the technicians of the Arma, prepared to face the threatening front of the internet. The "visible" one but also the submerged one.
The deep web and the dark web. Abysses beyond which it is better not to go, endless frontiers of unindexed data that go hand in hand with every shade of crime.
Information, weapons, explosives and drugs for sale. In thousands of shop windows accessible only with dedicated software and network protocols. A universe to know but to handle with care.
The meeting continued with a barrage of questions from the students. How do I deal with cyberbullies? How do I protect myself from identity theft? How can I tell if the email I receive is a phishing attempt?
Dozens of questions even with microphones off. A strong signal that tells of a still unconscious use of the web and an awareness of the risks yet to mature.
The Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Naples will continue to support this path and similar conferences will be planned in many other institutions.
Article published on March 11, 2023 - 13pm
