Unlocking the Human Element in Cybercrime: Exploring the Realities of Victims
摘要
In cybercrimes multiple technical elements are investigated, however aspects related to human factors are usually neglected these include individual emotions, attitudes, decisions, and behavior which in combination with individual characteristics constitute a web of vulnerability factors that need to be analyzed to develop a holistic cybercrime prevention strategy. Human behavior constitutes an important factor in the cybersecurity ecosystem as their actions affect the security of data and systems. Legislation and cyber security efforts cannot be successful in combating and countering cybercrimes if they focus only on offenders and disregard the needs and vulnerability of potential victims. This chapter examines the human factor that led to cyber victimization by exploring vulnerability factors such as gender and IT literacy as well as psycho-social vulnerability factors. Further, the chapter provides an operationalization of criminology theories including The General Theory of Crime, Routine Activities and Lifestyle Theory, and General Strain Theory. Lastly, the chapter provides recommendations for policymakers and cybercrime victims to strengthen prevention and cyber resilience to counter cybercrimes.