Cybercriminal Activities Research Articles

Cybercrimes in the cryptocurrency domain: identifying types, understanding motives and techniques, and exploring future directions for technology and regulation

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a lucrative yet volatile landscape for cybercriminal activity, presenting novel challenges for law enforcement and policymakers alike. This review seeks to explore the diverse array of cybercrimes occurring within the cryptocurrency domain, examining their types, motives, techniques, and the regulatory responses shaping this complex ecosystem. Utilizing a scoping literature search methodology, this study analyzes 228 pertinent sources drawn from a pool of over 4,000 reviewed publications. The findings elucidate the intricate interplay between cryptocurrencies and illicit activities, revealing the multifaceted nature of cybercrimes within this realm. From the exploitation of the dark web for illicit transactions to the pervasive threat of crypto ransomware targeting entities globally, the review underscores the diverse methods and motivations driving such nefarious endeavors. By shedding light on the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals and exploring future directions for technological and regulatory measures adopted by governments, this paper offers valuable insights to navigate this dynamic landscape effectively.

Digital Piracy in Higher Education: Exploring Social Media Users and Chinese Postgraduate Students Motivations for Supporting ‘Academic Cybercrime’ by Shelving eBooks from Z-Library

Z-library, an electronic book (ebook) website, was shut down in November 2022 for cybercriminal activity. This created a milieu to investigate its educational significance in higher educational institutes. Adopting social representation theory, this article explores 134 comments in r/Z-Library a Reddit subforum populated across social media during the takedown. These users’ views are contextualised against opinions from 103 Higher Education (HE) postgraduate students in China, who were engaged in a qualitative study including a survey, focus group and ethnographic observation of a classroom debate. Analysis found an overlap between both groups and suggests that universities need to re-consider digital divides faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Academic poverty, caused by the cost of academic literature and journals, was found to drive students and social media users towards piracy. The article concludes by recommending that universities must consider how to reduce piracy, as institutional libraries move into post-digital futures. These recommendations highlight, then, that if learners must resort to ‘academic cybercrime’ a rethink is needed about how universities enable a culture of lifelong learning.

China’s digital shadows: unveiling the economic toll of cybercrime

This study investigates the relationship between cybercrime and economic growth across China’s 28 provinces from 2005 to 2022, utilizing a comprehensive empirical model that integrates both provincial and annual fixed effects. Our findings reveal a significant negative impact of cybercrime on economic growth, underscoring the pressing challenge that cybercriminal activities pose to economic development. Through the application of the generalized method of moments methodology, we validate these findings, enhancing the credibility of our conclusions. An additional layer of analysis through a heterogeneity test reveals varied impacts across regions, with the eastern region most adversely affected, followed by the central and western regions. This regional disparity highlights the necessity for cybersecurity policies that are specifically tailored to the unique economic and digital landscapes of each region. Our research contributes valuable insights into the economic consequences of cybercrime in China, underscoring the critical need for targeted policy interventions to counteract these negative effects and foster economic resilience.

Digital Warfare: Exploring Cyber Criminality Amidst Armed Conflict in Southwest Region of Cameroon

This research investigates the alarming rise of cyber criminality in the Southwest region of Cameroon, a trend significantly influenced by the ongoing armed conflict that has engulfed the area. Employing a doctrinal research methodology, the study conducts a rigorous content analysis of both primary sources such as case law, treaties, legislative texts, direct observations, and policy documents and secondary sources, including scholarly textbooks, journal articles, comprehensive reports, and various online materials. The analysis utilizes diverse legal reasoning methods, including deductive, inductive, and analogical reasoning. Findings reveal a troubling surge in cyber-criminal activities since the onset of the armed conflict in English-speaking Cameroon, driven by interrelated factors such as rampant unemployment, pervasive economic hardship, widespread illiteracy, and the displacement of individuals. In light of these findings, it is crucial for the Cameroonian government to devise and implement effective strategies that not only combat cyber-crime but also address the socio-economic challenges exacerbated by the conflict. Such comprehensive measures are vital for restoring stability and security in the Southwest region and for fostering a resilient society capable of overcoming the dual impacts of cybercrime and armed conflict.

CLASSIFYING CYBERCRIME NETWORKS: ORGANIZED AND TRANSNATIONAL SCHEMES IN THE DIGITAL ERA

The purpose of this study is to analyze and classify the main schemes of organized and transnational cybercriminal activity, as well as to identify the methods and technologies used by cybercriminals to carry out criminal activities in the digital space. The article explores current trends in cybercrime, such as the rise in financial fraud, ransomware attacks, phishing, and DDoS attacks. The study shows that the use of the latest technologies, particularly cryptocurrencies and the Internet of Things (IoT), significantly complicates the detection and prosecution of cyber criminals, necessitating the constant improvement of legal and technical tools to combat cybercrime. Key findings indicate that the transnational nature of cybercrime often makes it difficult to prosecute criminals across jurisdictions, requiring greater international coordination. It was also found that cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal their activities, incorporating modern technological solutions into criminal schemes. This underscores the need for continuous monitoring of new threats and the updating of protection methods for both organizations and individual users. The main conclusions of the study emphasize the importance of global cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, the need to enhance technological protection, and the development of legal mechanisms to counter modern cyber threats.

Forensic analysis of web browsers lifecycle: A case study

The widespread integration of the internet into daily life across sectors such as healthcare, education, business, and entertainment has led to an increasing dependence on web applications. However, inherent technological vulnerabilities attract cybercriminals, necessitating robust security measures. While these security measures, including frequent updates/fixes to applications and operating systems, are essential, they also complicate forensic investigations. This research proposes a comprehensive approach to artifact identification and collection for examining browsing activities of Firefox, Chrome, and Edge on Windows 11. The methodology includes setting up and analyzing all stages of browser usage, such as installations, executions, uninstallations, and anomalous behaviors like crashes and restarts. Simulated cyber-criminal activities are used to collect artifacts at each stage, which are then analyzed using Windows 11 components such as the registry, memory, storage, and log locations. Experimental results reveal vulnerabilities, such as crashes, that can lead to the loss of sensitive information. This methodology provides a promising foundation for advancing browser forensic analysis and enhancing cybercrime investigations.

Cybercrime And Its Negative Effects In Developing Countries

Background: This paper investigates the prevalence and the negative impacts of cybercrime in developing countries. It also attempts to proffer solution to the problem of cybercrime focusing on identity theft, phishing, and other cybercriminal activities that are common in 21st century. This research is imperative because cybercrime has become a teething problem to most developing countries where monitoring and tracking of cybercrime offenders is still a big challenge. In Nigeria for example, cybercrime comes in different forms and affects almost all aspect of human endeavor in our day due to the rapid expansion of internet access and digital technologies. Materials and Methods: The research employs a mixed-method approach. First, it took a tour on different established cases of cybercrimes in recent time. It then carried out real life survey using a sample of about 68 students studying computing science in some universities in the southern part of Nigeria. Results: Findings reveal a high level of concern about cybercrime among respondents, with many reporting personal experiences such as phishing attempts and identity theft via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The discussion emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education and robust government regulations to combat cyber threats effectively. Conclusion: Recommendations include addressing youth unemployment, promoting ethical wealth generation, and strengthening cyber security laws to mitigate the socioeconomic and moral impacts of cybercrime in developing countries. This study contributes to understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by cybercrime in developing nations and underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies encompassing policy reforms, educational initiatives, and socioeconomic interventions

Economic cybercrime in the diaspora: case of Ghanaian nationals in the USA

Purpose This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the nuanced and unique approaches that diasporic actors adopt to execute economic cybercrimes, especially online frauds. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on press releases and official indictments collected from the U.S. Department of Justice, the study adopted content analysis. Through this approach, the study outlines its findings Findings The analysis reveals patterns in economic cybercrimes among Ghanaians abroad. Notably, the findings suggest that diasporic individuals often work with local accomplices to perpetrate various economic cybercrimes, with money laundering being particularly prevalent among those living outside their home country. This underscores the profound influence of geographical location on the choice of cybercriminal activities. Moreover, the research reveals that diasporic actors use several tactics, including adopting false identities to interact with victims and the creation of sham companies for laundering money. Additionally, demographic characteristics such as age and gender seem to significantly influence the involvement of diasporic individuals in economic cybercrimes. Research limitations/implications The research was primarily based on press releases and official indictments within the USA. Although these sources offer substantial insight into the rise of cybercrime among Ghanaian diaspora members, their focus on specific data types and geographical regions might constrain our comprehension of the nuances of this phenomenon, particularly across various diasporic groups and regions. Hence, future research could enhance our understanding by conducting fieldwork, not just in the USA but also in other areas using primary data to delve deeper into the issue of cybercrime within the diaspora. Practical implications The study’s findings have implications for individuals, organizations and policymakers alike. By understanding the strategies of economic cybercrime offenders, as demonstrated in this research, individuals can be better equipped to navigate digital technologies for both personal and business purposes. Moreover, policymakers and government agencies can use these insights to develop policies aimed at mitigating the spread of economic cybercrimes, particularly within diasporic communities. Originality/value The paper stands out for its innovative approach and scope. While numerous studies have explored cybercrime activities, the prevalence among diasporic actors remains underexamined. Through its methodology and scope, this paper opens avenues for further research into the phenomenon of cybercrime within diasporic communities.

Bi-Directional Exploitation of Human Trafficking Victims: Both Targets and Perpetrators in Cybercrime

ABSTRACT The article investigates cyber-trafficking, scrutinizing the utilization of cyberspace in generating victims of trafficking. Concurrently, it delves into the methods employed to induce trafficked individuals to participate in cyber-scams and underscores how the gains from these scams are subsequently used to fund and orchestrate sophisticated transnational organized crimes. Consequently, the article discusses the emerging bidirectional relationship between cybercrime and human trafficking, representing a significant trend within organized crime by illustrating a dynamic interaction where cybercrimes are committed to facilitate human trafficking, and conversely, the trafficking of individuals becomes a means to execute cybercriminal activities. The discussion further explores the critical intersections between cybercrime and human trafficking, contributing to a substantial increase in the number of victims of both cybercrime and trafficking. A notable aspect emphasized is the shift in human trafficking targets, expanding beyond traditional demographics to include individuals, especially men with technical education. This departure from the historical focus on women and children underscores the adaptability of traffickers in leveraging the skills of a new demographic. Furthermore, it evaluates the actions taken by international governmental bodies and policymakers to address this ongoing issue and discusses additional measures that could be implemented. The article aims to offer valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement professionals, and researchers grappling with the intricacies of this evolving nexus and, therefore, advocates for an intensified focus on research in this field and urges collaborative efforts to proactively address the issue before it surpasses current capabilities.

A framework for detection and mitigation of cyber criminal activities using university networks in Kazakhstan

Abstract. The increasing number of information security incidents in higher education underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework designed to analyze the illegal use of internet resources in university networks in Kazakhstan. The subject of this article is the detection and mitigation of cybercriminal activities using university networks in Kazakhstan. The goal is to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates multiple educational organizations to enhance collaborative security efforts by monitoring network activity and categorizing texts using machine learning techniques. The tasks to be solved are: to formalize the procedure of integrating multiple educational organizations into a collaborative cybersecurity framework; developing a log analysis tool tailored for monitoring network activities within university networks; creating a novel dictionary of extremist terms in the Kazakh language for text categorization; to implement advanced machine learning models for network traffic classification. The methods used are: log analysis tools for real-time monitoring and anomaly detection in network activities, Natural language processing (NLP) techniques to develop a specialized dictionary of extremist terms in Kazakh, Machine learning models to classify network traffic and detect potential cyber threats, and collaborative architecture design to integrate network security efforts across multiple institutions. The following results were obtained: a comprehensive log analysis tool was developed and implemented, providing real-time monitoring of network activities in university networks; a dictionary of extremist terms in Kazakh was created, facilitating the categorization and analysis of texts related to potential security threats; advanced machine learning models were successfully applied to classify network traffic, enhancing the detection and mitigation of cyber threats; and an experimental architecture integrating multiple educational organizations was established, fostering collaborative efforts in cybersecurity. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the results obtained is as follows: 1) a robust framework for collaborative cybersecurity in educational institutions was developed, leveraging log analysis and machine learning techniques; 2) the creation of a specialized dictionary of extremist terms in Kazakh significantly improved the accuracy of text categorization related to cybersecurity; 3) the application of advanced machine learning models to network traffic classification provided a methodological approach to effectively managing and securing network infrastructure effectively; 4) the experimental architecture demonstrated the potential for enhanced security through collaboration among educational organizations, offering strategic recommendations for improving information security in academic environments. The outcomes of this research contribute to the broader cybersecurity field by providing a structured approach to detecting and mitigating cyber threats in educational contexts. The proposed framework has potential applications extending to global security frameworks, aiming to foster a safer internet usage environment and reduce the risks associated with cyber threats and unauthorized data access.

Theory-Guided Feature Selection in Cybercrime Data Science

Cybercrime data science is being significantly hampered by the presence of 'noisy' features within vast and complex datasets. We draw from the theoretical insights of the behavioural sciences to propose a feature selection model to enrich and improve the value and interpretability of cybercrime intelligence datasets. We piloted our theory-guided feature selection approach on a subset of intelligence datafeeds provided by a global fraud and cybercrime tracking firm. The results of the proposed social influence feature selection model show significant improvement in the interpretability of the machine learning-based exploratory analysis and advanced visualization techniques in an experimental setting. The feature selection model yielded rich insights about cybercriminal psychological tactics from social engineering scam data and has potential applicability in the areas of cyberthreat response and cybersecurity awareness training. Our study shows the value of an interdisciplinary theory-guided approach to cybercrime data analytics that integrates scientific knowledge from the behavioural sciences and data science expertise. Our paper concludes by suggesting avenues for future research on theory-guided feature selection seeking to incorporate behavioural science knowledge in cybercrime data science. We intend to refine, automate, evaluate, and scale our model in future research to assess its effectiveness in producing insights about cybercriminal activities and informing decision-making in a naturalistic and real-time setting. In future research efforts, we aim to automate the encoding of features and apply a wider range of machine learning tools and evaluation metrics to extract more meaningful insights into cybercriminal psychological tactics. We also intend to refine our model on larger datasets to enhance its efficiency and responsiveness to real-time cybercrime data. We call on data scientists and cybercrime domain experts to work together to apply theory-guided feature selection to improve processes of knowledge discovery that enhance our cybersecurity capabilities.

Enhancing Security and Confidentiality in Decentralized Payment System Based on Blockchain Technology

The advent of blockchain technology (BC), has revolutionized the financial landscape with its decentralized, immutable, and verifiable characteristics. Blockchain technology can be deployed in many applications, however the Decentralized Payment System (DPS) can be considered as the most widely used application among all others. The public nature of early decentralized payment systems (e.g. bitcoin) has led to privacy challenges, making them susceptible to cybercriminal activities such as ransomware attacks and illegal financial transactions. This research investigates various decentralized payment systems adopted in blockchain technology and outlines the security requirements necessary to safeguard user transactions. The objectives of this study include examining payment transactions in decentralized systems, identifying potential threats, proposing improved and efficient security solutions, and assessing personal data sharing confidentiality.

Enhancing law enforcement training: A gamified approach to detecting terrorism financing

Tools for fighting cyber-criminal activities using new technologies are promoted and deployed every day. However, too often, they are unnecessarily complex and hard to use, requiring deep domain and technical knowledge. These characteristics often limit the engagement of law enforcement and end-users in these technologies, which despite their potential, remain misunderstood. For this reason, in this study, we describe our experience in combining learning and training methods and the potential benefits of gamification to enhance technology transfer and increase adult learning. In this case, participants are experienced practitioners in professions/industries that are exposed to terrorism financing (such as law enforcement officers, financial investigation officers, private investigators). We define training activities on different levels for increasing the exchange of information about new trends and criminal modus operandi among and within law enforcement agencies, intensifying cross-border cooperation and supporting efforts to combat and prevent terrorism-funding activities. A game (hackathon) is designed to address realistic challenges related to the darknet, crypto-assets, new payment systems and dark web marketplaces that could be used for terrorist activities. The entire methodology was evaluated using quizzes, contest results and engagement metrics. In particular, training events show that ∼60% of participants complete the 11-week training course, whereas the hackathon results, gathered in two pilot studies (Madrid and The Hague), show increasing expertise among participants (progression in the points achieved on average). At the same time, more than 70% of participants positively evaluate use of the gamification approach, and more than 85% consider the implemented use cases suitable for their investigations. These outcomes are further discussed to detect the introduced approach's benefits and limitations and improve future events.

Addressing the Escalating Threat of Cybercrime in African Nations: Strategies for Legislation, Governance, and Capacity Building

This overall assessment considers the intricate terrain of cyber-threats in African countries in depth, showing how varied it is, what its economic consequences are, and why the appropriate countermeasures are needed. Cybercrime is a comprehensive threat that includes different types of activities, including hacking and phishing, right up to damaging intellectual property. The ripple effect goes far beyond immediate financials losses and is caused by service failures and reputational damage. The rising trends of cybercrime in Africa necessitate the urgency to fight it because, of its prevalence, with the annual losses running into billions. The article looks at the growth of cybercrime in Africa, especially the fact that cybercriminals are revolving into cybercriminal activities. As we’ve witnessed an internet population of over a billion people in the continent, the vulnerabilities become more widespread as there are insufficient cyber security laws and regulations in place. Mobile phone propagation aggravates weak security infrastructure that today are scaring Africa with a total cost of up to $4 billion yearly. Businesses and governments may fail to engage in cyber security which will increase their vulnerability since the commitment to the cyber security measures will be delayed, and timely and tactical response is needed. Legislation is a critical element in tackling cyber-attacks and this is a challenge many African countries face when it comes to enacting all-encompassing laws. The rules of Budapest Convention are used to create a guiding framework, which is aimed at supporting the harmonization with the international standards for the efficient cooperation. A coordinated effort culturally, as well as internationally, becomes evident to protect Africa’s digital future by lessening the economic and social implications of cyber threats. Keywords: Cybercrime, cybercrime strategies, internet security, cyber legislation, cyber governance, cyber capacity building and cyber threats.

Using Information Technology for Comprehensive Analysis and Prediction in Forensic Evidence

With the escalation of cybercriminal activities, the demand for forensic investigations into these crimeshas grown significantly. However, the concept of systematic pre-preparation for potential forensicexaminations during the software design phase, known as forensic readiness, has only recently gainedattention. Against the backdrop of surging urban crime rates, this study aims to conduct a rigorous andprecise analysis and forecast of crime rates in Los Angeles, employing advanced Artificial Intelligence(AI) technologies. This research amalgamates diverse datasets encompassing crime history, varioussocio-economic indicators, and geographical locations to attain a comprehensive understanding of howcrimes manifest within the city. Leveraging sophisticated AI algorithms, the study focuses on scrutinizingsubtle periodic patterns and uncovering relationships among the collected datasets. Through thiscomprehensive analysis, the research endeavors to pinpoint crime hotspots, detect fluctuations infrequency, and identify underlying causes of criminal activities. Furthermore, the research evaluates theefficacy of the AI model in generating productive insights and providing the most accurate predictionsof future criminal trends. These predictive insights are poised to revolutionize the strategies of lawenforcement agencies, enabling them to adopt proactive and targeted approaches. Emphasizing ethicalconsiderations, this research ensures the continued feasibility of AI use while safeguarding individuals'constitutional rights, including privacy. The anticipated outcomes of this research are anticipated tofurnish actionable intelligence for law enforcement, policymakers, and urban planners, aiding in theidentification of effective crime prevention strategies. By harnessing the potential of AI, this researchcontributes to the promotion of proactive strategies and data-driven models in crime analysis andprediction, offering a promising avenue for enhancing public security in Los Angeles and othermetropolitan areas.

The Effects of Technology evolution on Cybercrime

The rapid evolution of technology has revolutionized numerous aspects of modern life, however, it has also resulted in additional challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. This research paper explores the multifaceted effects of technological evolution on cybercrime. It examines how advancements in technology have both facilitated cybercriminal activities and enabled innovative strategies for cybersecurity. This paper aims to provide insight into the complex interplay between technological progress and cybercrime, ultimately highlighting the importance of proactive measures to mitigate cyber threats in an increasingly digitized world.

Fostering Responsible Behavior Online- Relevance of Cyber Ethics Education

The role of ethics becomes even more significant given the huge advent and increase of cyber-criminal activities in cyberspace. It has become an urgent necessity to curb the menace of unethical practices in cyberspace and contribute ethical guidelines to a safe and secure digital environment. To minimize the growth of cybercrimes and unethical issues online, users must understand how existing societal norms and ethics can be extended according to the challenges posed by ethical dilemmas in cyberspace. Hence, understanding the importance of cyber ethics in daily life has become essential than ever before. Cyber ethics implies the rules of social engagement and responsibility in cyberspace; it is really about social responsibility in cyberspace and it is aimed at inculcating knowledge of responsible behavior in man when using the online environment. This paper is an attempt to provide an overview of the relevance of cyber ethics education in fostering responsible behavior online.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybercrime in Nigeria

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has brought about significant positive changes across various sectors. However, it has also created new opportunities for cybercrime. Nigeria, in particular, has witnessed a surge in cybercriminal activities, which have had severe economic and social consequences. The paper explored the relationship between AI, cybercrime, and the underground business economy in Nigeria, focusing on the rise of fraud, identity theft, and hacking. It discussed the ethical implications of AI, cybercrime, and the underground business economy, highlighting potential risks to privacy, security, and social trust, while emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of AI developers, policymakers, and stakeholders in mitigating these risks and promoting responsible AI use. The Igwebuike ethical theoretical framework was employed for the evaluation of cybercrime, and the thematic and analytical methods of inquiry were used. The paper submits that there is need for an ethical response to the challenges posed by cybercrime in Nigeria.

Standardization of the Application Rules for Presumption in Aiding Cybercrime - From the Perspective of 1345 Judgments

The crime of aiding cybercriminal activities has shown an explosive growth trend in recent years, evolving to the risk of becoming a pocket crime. To address the existing challenges and issues with this crime, it is crucial to clarify the connotation and denotation of knowingly within the context of this crime and establish a set of relatively standardized and rational inference rules. Through a criminal law analysis of the term knowingly, judicial pathway reviews, and academic theory reflections, the term should be understood as know or clearly know. This interpretation aims to limit judicial scope and alleviate the pressure on the judicial system. The construction of a standardized set of inference rules for knowingly in the context of aiding cybercrime is both necessary and rational. Scholars, both domestic and international, have presented relevant theories, with the current trend favoring an objective-oriented approach complemented by subjective evaluation. After analyzing over a thousand case studies and combining related thoughts, the author proposes a Weighted Scoring Rule and offers several recommendations concerning the current judicial systems institutional design.

Design Methodology and Metrics for Robust and Highly Qualified Security Modules in Trusted Environments

Cyberattacks and cybercriminal activities constitute one of the biggest threats in the modern digital era, and the frequency, efficiency, and severity of attacks have grown over the years. Designers and producers of digital systems try to counteract such issues by exploiting increasingly robust and advanced security mechanisms to provide secure execution environments aimed at preventing cyberattacks or, in the worst case, at containing intrusions by isolation. One of the most significative examples comes from General Purpose Processor (GPP) manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, and ARM, which in the last years adopted the integration of dedicated resources to provide Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) or secure zones. TEEs are built layer by layer on top of an implicitly trusted component, the Root-of-Trust (RoT). Since each security chain is only as strong as its weakest link, each element involved in the construction of a TEE starting from the RoT must be bulletproof as much as possible. In this work, we revise and propose a design methodology to implement in both hardware (HW) and software (SW) highly featured and robust security blocks by highlighting the key points that designers should take care of, and the key metrics that should be used to evaluate the security level of the developed modules. We also include an analysis of the state of the art concerning RoT-based TEEs, and we illustrate a case study that documents the implementation of a cryptographic coprocessor for the secure subsystem of the Rhea GPP from the European Processor Initiative (EPI) project, according to the presented methodology. This work can be used by HW/SW security module designers as a cutting-edge guideline.