Austin Hildenbrand
CYSE – 201S
Dr. Yalpi
4/10/2025
Article Review #2 – AI and Cybercrime Analysis
BLUF
From a sociological standpoint, AI-driven cybercrime influences how individuals and communities interact online, trust digital systems, and adapt to evolving technological threats. As AI enables more sophisticated forms of fraud, identity theft, and misinformation, it shapes societal norms around privacy, security, and digital ethics.
Observational Study
In this article’s study, conducted by Boston University and Akron University, researchers explore potential risks and trends of AI-powered cybercrime, suggests countermeasures, and recommends policies to address emerging threats (Shetty, 1). The current study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating cybercrime. Research questions like “how can AI and cybercrime affect societal norms, and what kind of techniques for mitigation are best,” were identified and answered in the hopes of bringing awareness to emerging cyber threats.
Relation to Social Sciences
The study followed the Cyber-Routine Activities Theory as their framework to understand why cyber offenders commit crimes and how AI can contribute to their offenses. Cyber-Routine Activities Theory (CRAT) is like Routine Activities Theory (RAT), in the sense that crime occurs when three elements converge in time and space (Shetty, 4). These three elements include: motive, suitable targets, and absence of capable guardian. As discussed in class, motive could mean money aspirations, or political gain, or boredom (Module-5 CYSE201S, 3). Some offenders may have more than one motive, creating a portfolio of reasons why they commit crimes. Suitable targets are any individuals or organizations that fit the category of their motive and create an easy environment for the offender. This could mean the target exposed their personal data, engaged in risky behaviors like clicking unknown links, visited unsecure sites, etc. Mistakes like these are examples of the Human Factor in cybersecurity and can have many potential risks. Absence of capable guardian refers to a lack of cybersecurity measures (e.g., firewalls, antivirus, etc.), weak privacy settings, or no monitoring by platforms or authorities. Cyber-Routine Activities Theory says that all three elements must occur in time and space simultaneously, and mitigation strategies involve breaking the connection between all three elements, including: Increase in cybersecurity protections (e.g., antivirus, firewalls, etc.), creating better opportunities for people to remove the motive, and limiting potential risks from Human Factors.
Societal Contributions
Cybercriminals use AI to automate attacks like phishing, deepfakes, and scams. These are often tailored based on online behavior and identity, making elderly, low-income individuals, and non-native speakers more vulnerable due to digital illiteracy or lack of awareness, while also making racial and gender minorities targets for identity theft, AI-generated harassment (e.g., deepfake porn), and online hate. These patterns reflect and reinforce existing power imbalances. Groups already facing social marginalization become easier digital targets. Marginalized communities are underrepresented in tech and AI development, which means their concerns, languages, and lived experiences often aren’t reflected in: Threat modeling, privacy standards, and UX design of cyber-safety tools.
Conclusion
The study was conducted in the hopes of raising awareness to society of the dangers that AI can enhance and how people should protect themselves. Shetty uses a call to action in the conclusion saying, “As AI becomes increasingly integrated to various aspects of life, potential avenues for misuse also grows, and a proactive approach is required to better safe- guard digital environments.” The integration of AI into cybercrime requires more cohesion in safeguards and protocols to create a safer environment for all individuals and organizations in modern age technology.
Works Cited
Shetty, Sanaika, et al. “Investigating the Intersection of AI and Cybercrime: Risks, Trends, and Countermeasures.” International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, vol. 7, no. 2, Sept. 2024, https://doi.org/10.52306/2578-3289.1187.