Police Perceptions of Cybercrime in South Korea: Implications for Combating Cyberterrorism and Cooperation with Private Security

Abstract

In this paper, authors examine police officers` perceptions of cybercrime and cyberterrorism in South Korea. Specifically, 398 police officers attending training programs at Police Training Institute have responded to a questionnaire about cybercrime in general, seriousness and frequency of cyber terror offenses, and strategies needed to control cybercrime. The results of this exploratory study provide policy implications for effective prevention of and response to cybercrime and cyberterrorism in South Korea. Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine police officers` perceptions of cybercrime in South Korea. To illustrate, the authors aim to assess how the participants view the nature, the seriousness, and the frequency of occurrence of and effective countermeasures for the offenses that fall under the category of cyberterrorism. Methods: Police officers attending different training sessions at Police Training Institute (PTI) in South Korea during summer 2014 are recruited to complete a questionnaire. A total of 398 officers have participated in the survey after being informed of its voluntary and confidential nature. The returned questionnaires are coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The results show that the majority of the participants believe cybercrime in South Korea is more than minor annoyance and is the most serious problem in South Korean society. Also, voice phishing and phishing, malicious software, and identity theft that are categorized as cyber terror are perceived to be serious offenses. Furthermore, developing partnerships with Internet service providers and establishing interagency cooperation are thought to be vital strategies in combating cybercrime and cyberterrorism. Conclusion: The findings of this study have important policy implications. Particularly, as shown by the participants` perceptions, public-private cooperation is important in responding to cybercrime, including cyber terror offenses, effectively.