As cybercrime continues to escalate in scale and sophistication, the demand for skilled digital defenders has never been greater. Noroff University College is equipping the next generation to meet this challenge head-on.
Cybercrime has become one of the greatest threats to global security, with criminal networks exploiting advanced technologies to infiltrate systems, commit fraud, and disrupt critical infrastructure. From ransomware attacks crippling businesses to AI-generated scams deceiving even the most tech-savvy individuals, digital crime is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
The EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA) 2025 highlights these emerging challenges and underscores the need for skilled professionals capable of identifying, mitigating, and preventing cyber threats before they cause irreparable damage. Read the report here.
- Europol’s report confirms what we already know—cybercriminals are evolving fast, weaponizing AI and encrypted networks. In DFIR, we either adapt or get left behind, says Veronica Schmitt, program lead of Digital Forensics and Incident Response at Noroff University College.
📷: Kaja Husa
A Call for Skilled Digital Defenders
To meet this demand, Noroff University College offers two educational paths for those looking to enter the field of cybercrime investigation and digital forensics. The one-year Cybercrime Investigation and Response program is an intensive program designed for individuals who want to develop core skills in incident response, forensic techniques, network security, and cryptography within a short timeframe. The programme is made of courses from the Bachelor in Digital Forensics and Incident Response, and this option is ideal for those looking to quickly enter the workforce and begin a career in cybercrime investigation. However, you also have the option to proceed into the bachelor.
- Europol's report clearly demonstrates that the cyber threat landscape has reached a critical juncture. At Noroff University College, our responsibility is to ensure our graduates possess the precise skills organisations urgently need, says Emlyn Butterfield, rector Rector at Noroff University College.
The cyber threat landscape is becoming more complex
For those seeking a more in-depth education, the Bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics and Incident Response provides a comprehensive study of cybercrime investigation, forensic data recovery, advanced threat detection, and incident response. This program prepares graduates for high-level roles in law enforcement, corporate security, and digital forensic analysis. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, organisations increasingly require experts with the ability to track, analyse, and prevent digital crimes at a strategic level.
The evolving cyber threat landscape requires professionals who are not only technically proficient but also capable of staying ahead of criminal innovation. The EU-SOCTA 2025 report identifies cybercrime-as-a-service, AI-powered attacks, and ransomware evolution as major challenges, with cybercriminals now operating within organised, highly profitable networks. The rise of hybrid threats—where criminal groups collaborate with state-backed entities—has further complicated cybersecurity efforts, making expertise in cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response more crucial than ever.
- Easy access to generative AI is presenting new opportunities to expand and automate criminal activity. Digital Investigators need to meet these challenges with new tools and techniques for investigations, says Professor Iain Sutherland.
Real-world training for real-world threats
Whether pursuing the one-year certification or the full bachelor’s degree, students at Noroff University College gain real-world, hands-on experience in digital forensics and incident response. These programs are designed to prepare professionals for the reality of modern cybercrime, equipping them with the skills to safeguard businesses, law enforcement agencies, and global institutions from the growing wave of digital threats.
- Teaching DFIR isn’t just about tools and techniques anymore. Europol’s report makes it clear—our students need to think like investigators, analysts, and threat hunters, says Veronica.
Cybercrime will continue to evolve, but so will those dedicated to stopping it. Take the first step towards becoming a cyber defender today by exploring our Cybercrime Investigation and Response or Digital Forensics and Incident Response programs. The fight against cybercrime starts with education, and the future of cyber security depends on those willing to take up the challenge.