LanCologne & VEGS Group
Prevention, training and IT forensics – coordinated rather than run in parallel
LanCologne and the VEGS Group work in partnership. The VEGS Group contributes its expertise in IT security consultancy for businesses and in training for DEKRA personal certifications, whilst LanCologne provides IT forensics, mobile forensics and data recovery services from its own laboratory in Cologne.
Two areas of focus that complement one another
Information security does not end with the implementation of technical safeguards. It begins with the question of what risks a company actually faces, continues with the training of the personnel responsible, and must remain robust even when an incident has occurred and evidence needs to be secured.
The partnership is structured precisely along this chain:
- VEGS Group: Vendor-neutral IT security consultancy for small and medium-sized enterprises (Corporate Security 360), guidance on NIS2, and practical training in IT forensics, IT security, data protection and IT expert assessment via the VEGS Academy.
- LanCologne: IT forensics, mobile forensics and data recovery carried out in our own laboratory in Cologne, preservation of evidence admissible in court and expert reports prepared by a certified IT forensics expert.
Andreas Bauer, founder and managing director of the VEGS Group. Photo: VEGS GmbH
What the partnership entails
Further training and DEKRA certification
The VEGS Academy supports IT professionals on their path to DEKRA personal certifications and has been a training partner of DEKRA Certification GmbH since 2011. As part of this partnership, we refer professionals who wish to gain qualifications in IT forensics, IT security or expert assessment to the VEGS Academy.
There is a clear distinction here: VEGS prepares students for the relevant certification and supports them throughout their training. The examination, admission assessment and certification decision are carried out independently by DEKRA Certification GmbH.
IT security consultancy and NIS 2 guidance
With Enterprise Security 360, the VEGS Group supports management teams in identifying cyber risks, prioritising measures according to their impact and cost, and managing their implementation – from IT risk assessments and management reviews to awareness programmes featuring phishing simulations. This also includes guidance on NIS2 and the resulting obligations.
We refer companies that contact us regarding preventative security matters to the VEGS Group. Should an incident occur, LanCologne is available to carry out forensic evidence collection and analysis.
From my own experience
Our recommendation for further training in IT forensics
We strongly recommend the VEGS Group to anyone wishing to further their training in the field of IT forensics – regardless of whether they are aiming for certification or not. We have had the opportunity to experience their processes first-hand, from the initial assessment through the seminars to exam preparation. Based on this experience, we are also happy to send our own staff there for further training.
Regular seminars
The VEGS Academy regularly offers seminars to help candidates prepare for DEKRA personal certifications – online, live and in person – featuring case studies, assessment exercises and targeted exam preparation.
Paths that build on one another
From IT forensic analyst to IT forensic expert: the programmes build on one another. This means you can choose the right starting point based on your prior knowledge and goals – with or without subsequent certification.
Personal support
Queries, professional feedback and support from Andreas Bauer – not only with regard to technical preparation, but also with the practical application of what you have learnt in your day-to-day work.
„Quality in IT forensics starts with the expertise of the people who secure and analyse evidence. That is why we recommend the VEGS Academy – and are happy to send our own team there too.“
Risto Popovski
Managing Director of LanCologne, IT Forensics Expert
Image: VEGS GmbH
The benefits for your business
- A coordinated approach to prevention and education: Risk assessment and action planning by the VEGS Group, forensic investigation in the event of an emergency by LanCologne – with close cooperation between the two partners.
- Independent advice: The VEGS Group’s security consultancy is manufacturer-independent. Recommendations are based on your specific circumstances, not on any particular product.
- Verifiability: Documented risk overviews, responsibilities and emergency procedures make it easier to reconstruct the sequence of events in the event of an incident. Conversely, findings from a forensic investigation can be incorporated into future security planning in the form of specific recommendations for action.
- An expert’s perspective: Both sides employ certified experts – the VEGS Group has a DEKRA-certified IT expert, whilst LanCologne has a certified IT forensics expert.
- Confidentiality: At LanCologne, every client receives a written confidentiality agreement; data storage media and evidence are not disclosed to third parties.
The benefits for you as an IT professional or aspiring expert
The VEGS Academy offers part-time qualification programmes, the content of which is delivered digitally, live or in person, and applied through case studies, analyses and expert reports. The programme includes, amongst other things:
- IT forensics: IT Forensics Analyst and IT Forensics Expert
- Expert witness services: IT expert, optionally with the IT valuation specialist qualification as a prerequisite
- IT security: IT security analyst and IT security expert
- Cyber risks: Cyber Risk Consultant
- Data protection: Data Protection Specialist and Data Protection Auditor
IT forensic experts must provide evidence of relevant prior forensic qualifications – typically through the IT Forensic Analyst qualification. The specific admission requirements are based on the currently valid DEKRA certification programme and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
From our forensic practice, we are familiar with the requirements for transparent investigations and reliable expert reports. The VEGS Academy teaches the necessary methodology in a structured manner, with personalised support.
Andreas Bauer, VEGS Academy. Photo: VEGS GmbH
About the VEGS Group
The VEGS Group combines IT security consultancy, training and IT forensics. Its founder and managing director is Andreas Bauer. He has been a DEKRA-certified IT expert since 2009 and previously served in the police force for 15 years. Today, he works as a consultant, expert witness and provider of further training.
- DEKRA training partner since 2011
- Manufacturer-independent consultancy, including for the skilled trades and small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturing companies, as well as law firms and consultancy firms
- VEGS Academy, offering qualification pathways in cyber risks, IT security, IT forensics, data protection and expert assessment
VEGS GmbH
27a Kulmbacher Street
95460 Bad Berneck
vegs-gruppe.de
Please get in touch with us
Do you have a forensic enquiry, or would you like to know whether a training course or consultancy service from the VEGS Group would be suitable for your situation? We’d be happy to put you in touch.
Source & further information at: VEGS Group