Cybercrime Analysts: Bridging Cybersecurity and Social Science
Cora Wilson
Old Dominion University
CYSE 201S– Cybersecurity and Social Sciences
April 7, 2024

Cybercrime Analysts: Bridging Cybersecurity and
Social Science
Introduction
In today’s digital world, cybercrime is not just a technical challenge—it’s a social one.
Cybercrime investigators are cybersecurity professionals who rely heavily on social science
research and principles to understand, track, and prevent online criminal behavior. Their work
goes beyond code and firewalls, diving deep into human behavior, psychology, social systems,
and criminology. This paper explores how social science concepts are embedded in the daily
work of cybercrime analysts, emphasizing the profession’s relevance to marginalized groups and
broader society.
The Role of Social Science in Cybercrime Analysis
At its core, cybercrime investigation is about people. These professionals use concepts
from sociology and criminology to understand why individuals or groups engage in illegal online
behavior. Routine activities theory, for example, explains how crime is likely to occur when a
motivated offender meets a suitable target in the absence of capable guardianship (Holt &
Bossler, 2015). Cybercrime investigators use this framework to assess vulnerabilities in digital
systems and anticipate potential criminal activity.
Behavioral profiling is another tool drawn from psychology and sociology. Investigators
study online behavior patterns, motivations, and group dynamics (such as cyber gangs or
ideological collectives) to anticipate attacks. This isn’t just about catching the “bad guys”—it’s
about understanding their socio-economic background, digital environment, and even mental
health status to create better prevention strategies (Yar, 2013).

Key Concepts from Class in Practice
Cybercrime investigators rely on several key social science concepts covered in class,
including social structure, marginalization, deviance, and ethics. Social structure plays a role
in how individuals access technology, education, and opportunity. Understanding these
disparities helps investigators identify where cybercrime may emerge and how it may affect
different communities (Wall, 2007).
Deviance helps professionals categorize behaviors that break social norms or laws. In
cybersecurity, deviance isn’t always as simple as “right or wrong”—for example, hacktivism
often blurs the ethical line between protest and crime. Investigators must use ethical reasoning to
interpret intent and context (Yar, 2013).
Finally, ethical decision-making is crucial. Investigators work with sensitive data and
must balance privacy rights with national security. Social science gives them the ethical
grounding to navigate these gray areas responsibly (Holt & Bossler, 2015).
Impact on Marginalized Groups
Marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by cybercrime and often
overlooked in digital protection efforts. For example, lower-income individuals are more likely
to fall victim to phishing scams or identity theft due to limited digital literacy (Wall, 2007).
Cybercrime investigators, guided by social science, can tailor awareness campaigns and
protection tools to meet the needs of these vulnerable groups.
On the flip side, surveillance and investigative tools—if not properly checked—can harm
marginalized populations. Investigators must stay conscious of biases in data and algorithms, a
key concern in both criminology and ethics. By incorporating inclusive, community-informed
strategies, they reduce harm and build trust across social lines (Yar, 2013).

Cybercrime Investigation and Society
Cybercrime doesn’t just affect individual victims—it shapes public policy, impacts
economic systems, and influences global diplomacy. Investigators serve as a bridge between the
tech world and society, translating threats into social terms that law enforcement, lawmakers, and
the public can understand. Their work drives conversations about privacy, justice, and safety in
the digital age (Holt & Bossler, 2015).
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, cybercrime analysts must stay
grounded in the human side of security. Understanding cultural factors, online subcultures, and
social media ecosystems is just as important as technical skill. Without social science,
investigators risk missing the big picture—and the people within it.
Conclusion
Cybercrime investigators are not just tech experts—they are behavioral scientists,
ethicists, and sociologists in the field. Their daily routines depend on understanding the social
systems and psychological drivers that underlie digital crime. From protecting marginalized
populations to shaping national policy, their work reflects the deep interconnection between
cybersecurity and social science. As cyber threats evolve, this interdisciplinary approach is not
just useful—it’s essential.

References
Holt, T. J., & Bossler, A. M. (2015). Cybercrime in progress: Theory and prevention of
technology-enabled offenses. Routledge.
Wall, D. S. (2007). Cybercrime: The transformation of crime in the information age (2nd ed.).
Polity Press.
Yar, M. (2013). Cybercrime and society (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.