Cybercrime profiling and trend analysis

Abstract

A significant percentage of the populace do not consider or understand “what and how” cybercrime is committed, nor how they might be a victim of it, and many fear they might unconsciously be part of the process, i.e. they don’t understand how to behave online. Reducing the opportunities for cybercrime is not a simple task. It will require co-operation between many players, and fundamental changes in common attitudes and practices. When considering legal implications of the misuse of technologies, it is worth noting that crossing national borders results in a change in the laws that people are subject to. Some countries do not consider hacking and online identity theft as high priority crimes. Similarly, the technological divide leaves gaps in the laws in those countries that are less technologically advanced. The aim of this chapter is to examine the relationship between online behaviour and computer victimisation. Understanding the trends of cybercrime and the strategies employed by cyber criminals in order to commit cybercrime will help to identify the steps that needs be taken to prevent such criminal activities.