The FBI Columbia field office is leading a multi-agency law enforcement three-day training course this week aimed at better equipping investigators with tools and knowledge to address the ever-growing threat of cyber crime.

The Cyber Investigations Course is a three-day course where attendees will learn skills and knowledge for advancing their investigations through a subject’s basic use of technology. The course is also designed to increase attendees’ knowledge of the Internet, investigative techniques, open-source intelligence, virtual currency, legal processes, digital evidence collection and analysis.

Cyber crimes have rapidly increased over the last few years with bad actors enhancing their techniques and abilities to cause harm to individuals and businesses.

“This training will be beneficial across the board to help investigators alleviate hurdles to working cases with technical aspects,” said Supervisory Special Agent Cindy Starns, who oversees the Columbia field office’s cyber investigations.

The training is sponsored by the FBI’s Columbia field office with support from the FBI Charlotte field office.