Article URL: https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1185&context=ijcic

Introduction

Technology has changed the world in a myriad of ways, some good and some bad. It seems that every day a new technology is created to innovate our lives. Every day cybercriminals and hackers create new ways to commit cybercrime, making it so that cybersecurity professionals have to stay updated, and on their toes. One of the more advanced technological advancements is Artificial Intelligence. AI is constantly evolving, learning and improving itself. This can have a huge impact on the future of cybercrime, whether it makes it easier to commit, or easier to detect. This article talks about understanding the use of AI in cybercrime. 

Relations to the Principles of Social Sciences

The article relates to the key principles of social science, including relativism, parsimony, empiricism, objectivity, determinism and skepticism. It shows a relativism by acknowledging that AI driven cybercrime can be perceived differently across different industries. By presenting full research and findings, the article maintains objectivity. This goes hand in hand with parsimony, where they use easy to understand theories such as the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) to explain complex occurrences. The data remains empirical, due to the reliance on qualitative and quantitative analysis of data, to understand how AI in cybercrime is evolving. It reflects determinism by  implying that technical developments like artificial intelligence drive the development of cybercrime, and by stating that “offenders exploit this human intelligence system to commit criminal activities” (Choi et al., 2024). Finally, it relates to skepticism by challenging society’s readiness and calling for more research on these new dangers. 

Research Question or Hypothesis

The article’s research question revolves around understanding how AI can be manipulated for use in cybercrime, and how its threat is constantly evolving. It investigates how new tech, especially AI is influencing new forms of criminal activity, like deepfakes. The article explains the lack of research regarding AI driven cybercrime, and suggests strategies to mitigate or prevent cybercrime. 

 Research Methods and Data Analysis

The article uses a multimethod style of research, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. It explains studies that use theories such as the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and another part of it, the Cyber Routine Activities Theory (C-RAT). On the qualitative research side, their research presents case studies that use real world examples of AI driven cybercrime, such as the use of deepfakes. The quantitative data includes statistical data on the frequency of cybercrime driven by artificial intelligence. However, the article also includes expert opinions and their insights, collected through interviews, offering a comprehensive look into cybercrime and cybercrime mitigation. 

Relation to Concepts From the Powerpoints

It relates to Human Centered Cybersecurity, by discussing how people are driven to commit various forms of cybercrime by AI. This article emphasizes how cybercriminals exploit artificial intelligence to target human vulnerabilities, such as deepfakes or social engineering attacks. It focuses on the importance of raising awareness among an organization’s employees, and about having better cyber hygiene practices, meaning the fundamental cybersecurity best practices that an organization can use. To stress the importance of this, the article stated that “the need for better cyber hygiene is more important than ever” (Choi et al., 2024).  Cyber hygiene relates directly to human centered cybersecurity approaches that focus on training users how to protect themselves from cybercrime. 

Challenges, concerns and contributions of marginalized groups

This article touches on the challenges and concerns of marginalized groups, in the context of AI-driven cybercrime. Deepfakes, for example, can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like minorities, or those with limited access to technology. They can be used to harass, defame or extort specific groups or people. The article addresses the concerns by supporting cybersecurity awareness and inclusive policy frameworks. These consider the risks to unique groups and ensure that solutions are available to all people. 

Overall Contributions to Society

The article strongly emphasizes the need for further research to understand how AI-driven cybercrime operates and to develop effective strategies for preventing or mitigating its impact. This could be a situation in which cybersecurity professionals fight fire with fire. AI could be used to determine the patterns cybercriminals show, in order to prevent cybercrime from being committed. The article states that, “these articles not only enhance our understanding of current threats but also pave the way for future research and policy development” (Choi et al., 2024). By utilizing the same technology that cybercriminals use to their advantage, this strategy emphasizes how crucial it is to keep ahead of new dangers.

Conclusion 

Overall, this article exposes the growing issue of AI driven cybercrime. Technology is constantly evolving, and the methods criminals use to exploit it, are evolving right alongside it. Further research is required to get a more comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in cybercrime. By utilizing the same technology that cybercriminals use, cybersecurity professionals can stay up to date on the newest emerging cybercrimes and exploits to better protect organizations, and individuals. Most importantly, the article highlights the importance of awareness, updated policies and the expansion of methods used to fight against cybercrime.  

References

Choi, S. , Dearden, T. & Parti, K. (2024). Understanding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cybercrime . International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, 7(2), – . DOI: https://doi.org/10.52306/ 2578-3289.1185