Article Reviews

Article Review #1: Security Enhanced Cloud Computing Using the Integration of Dense  Belief Network and RK-AES Algorithm

Student Name: Steven Geter

School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University

CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences

Instructor Name: Diwakar Yalpi

Date: 2-26-26

Introduction/BLUF

The article “Security Enhanced Cloud Computing Using the Integration of Dense Belief Network and RK-AES Algorithm” studies security difficulties dealing with cloud computing services. As cloud computing starts to grow with it being used by millions, it is needed for the rapid growth of cyber attacks and data security(AL-Safarini,2024). What is explained is a security framework that provides essential learning and encryption techniques to strengthen data security and confidentiality.

The article’s main purpose is to evaluate a security model, AES-RK-DBN, that employs a Dense Belief Network to detect intrusion data, with the use of the Advanced Encryption Standard. The study explains that the performance of the framework is very effective, outperforming previous learning models and showcasing reliability in cloud computing areas.

Relation/Connection to Social Science Principles

This article relates to criminology because the model explained in the article is trying to solve the problem of cyber attacks and data fraud. If something isn’t secure and is corrupted, that is a crime. In this article cybercrime is mentioned with the actions of cloud vulnerabilities and data breaches. When dealing with crime the goal is to find the activity that is causing it, the  AES-RK-DBN framework is a tool to detect unsafe activity and establish encryption to prevent it.

This article relates to sociology because of how life has changed so drastically over time. Cloud computing has grown so much because technology surrounds our everyday lives and is almost needed for some people to function. It has changed how businesses and corporations function with data and changes people’s perspective on organizations with how they value cloud computing and security. With lots of information being digital, people are more concerned about digital privacy to not have cyber threats.

How this article relates to psychology is how people can perceive cloud computing and their amount of trust they put into it. Allowing important data to be put in online data services needs lots of decision making and trust, which relates back to psychology traits.With cloud computing being put in place, people need to have confidence that risk won’t occur and security will be set. Having stronger detection can have an impact on behavior that can reduce anxiety.

Research Question /Hypothesis/ Independent Variable/Dependent Variable

Can the incorporation of  a Dense Belief Network (DBN) with an RK-AES encryption algorithm improve overall security performance and vulnerability in cloud computing environments rather than previous deep learning techniques?

If combining a Dense Belief Network with the RK-AES algorithm, then overall cloud services and security will be significantly improved compared to previous deep learning techniques.

  • The Independent Variable of this article is the AES-RK-DBN model
  • The Dependent Variable of this article is the security results that apply to the model. This can consist of accuracy, recall, detection rate, and f-score.

Types of Research Methods used

The type of research methods that were used in the study was quantitative research. There were a variety of tables that had different deep learning methods and displayed accuracy. There is statistical data calculated with bar graphs and pie charts. With such examples, this puts in place defined numbers that were calculated. The proposed model’s data was compared to previous deep learning models ResNet, CNN, and VGG. 

Types of Data Analysis used

The data analysis that was performed involved different security measures. They would consist of Detection Rate, F-Score, Recall, and Accuracy(AL-Safarini,2024). With the percentages and calculation, the data would be compared to each other to find improvements between models.  

Connections to other Course Concepts

How this article relates to our course concepts discussed in class is first, the discussion of parsimony. This principle means that a problem should be explained in the simplest terms. Wanting to achieve strong, accurate results with few components is what parsimony values most. Having the model and the encryption method be the only things put together allows for it to put more focus on core variables than many other systems. Another concept that was discussed in class is multi-method research. This is where you combine multiple methods of research to study cybersecurity. In the article there were a variety of methods that picked up data to compare what is more effective.

Connections to the Concerns or contributions of Marginalized Groups

This article’s study and purpose can have a positive contribution to marginalized groups by giving them protection against mistreatment. These groups can be affected by fraud, data corruption, and theft. With the foundation of the AES-RK-DBN framework, the vulnerability can be reduced because of the financial resources they don’t have. A challenge that could be brought up with the marginalized groups is the accessibility they have on cloud computing. With the framework being so enhanced, it is most likely to be involved in more wealthy areas and corporations. With the groups lacking that, they may still have a chance of being exposed as a vulnerable target. 

Overall societal contributions of the study/Conclusion

In conclusion, the study in the article provides a beneficial contribution providing a security framework, AES-RK-DBN, that enhances the structure of cloud computing through the combination of deep learning techniques and enhanced encryption. Everyday cloud services are needed to support our data, corporations, and government operations. Without the protection for these services, social durability and trust will always be in question; allowing this framework to have significance for a long time. The first contribution to society is what its vocal point is, crime prevention. It improves the security and confidentiality of data to where vulnerable activity is reduced. Online crime that can change people’s lives outside of technology is controlled which is very important to individuals. The next contribution is technological and digital activity. In today’s era, our lives and what we value is built around a digital foundation. For some people, there are still second guesses as to what technology can impact in their lives. If data is proven to be secure, it grows the confidence of individuals to participate in online services. This study attacks both the social and technical values as to what cloud security does for social well being.  

References

Al-Safarini, M. Y., Al-Milli, N., Maghrabi, L. A., & Elian, M. (2025, January-June). Security Enhanced Cloud Computing Using the Integration of Dense Belief Network and RK-AES Algorithm. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 19(1), 26. https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/459/139

Article Link: https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/459/139

Article Review  #2: Assessing The Role of Cybercriminology in South Africa’s Combat 

Against Financial Cybercrime

Student Name: Steven Geter Jr

School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University

CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences

Instructor Name: Diwakar Yalpi

Date: 4-16-26

Introduction/BLUF

The article “Assessing The Role of Cybercriminology in South Africa’s Combat Against Financial Cybercrime” studies how South Africa’s legal framework addresses the role of cybercriminology and to strengthen the system of where financial cybercrime should be at. The country does a good job at having a strong system of what is lawful and what isn’t, but lacks behavioral and social factors that can close the gap of how cybercrime affects them.

The article’s main purpose is for South Africa to integrate an approach that includes artificial intelligence and cybercriminology into their structured legislation. This will enable a more preemptive and data-driven approach to financial cyber threats.

Relation/Connection to Social Science Principles

This article relates to criminology on one main purpose, which is dealing with cybercrime, and to figure out how to prevent it. One of the key explanations was explaining varieties of criminal behavior. This would consist of Rational Choice Theory (RCT), Social Cognition Theory (SCT), and Space Transition Theory (STT). All of these theories relate to the goal of understanding the decision-making and specific purpose in crime. The article shows that to find the true answer to cybercrime, we must understand both social environments and the laws of technology(Modise).

Psychology is related to this article because of the decision making South Africa supports. They were too focused on punishment and not prevention. Cybercrime is big in society because of the fact that it is tied to learning, human thinking, and digital areas(Modise). Taking the next step in the right direction is  recognizing how people in certain environments think and justify actions, not just technical security.

How sociology is related to this article because it examines the disadvantages of societies as a whole and strategies to fix them. Cybercrime isn’t just a problem individually, but a social event with disruptive conditions. Inequality is a big theme dealt with in the article, how low-income areas with limited access to cybersecurity resources increases the risk. Solving the issue of cybercrime is possible in this article, but the process must integrate social structures.  

Research Question /Hypothesis/ Independent Variable/Dependent Variable

How productive is South Africa’s legal framework in resisting financial cybercrime, and how can cybercriminology improve it?

If applying cybercriminology theories into legal and policy foundations, then, response, prevention, and detection will be enhanced for financial cybercrime.

  • Independent Variable: Merging of cybercriminology theories
  • Dependent Variable: Effectiveness of restraining financial cybercrime.

Types of Research Methods used

The method of study used was a qualitative doctrinal legal research method. This consists of investigating case laws and primary legal sources. Policy reports and articles were also sources like The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FICA) and The  Electronic Communications  and  Transactions  Act  25  of  2002 (ECTA).

Types of Data Analysis used

The authors used a comparative analysis, analyzing different theories and what they were effective at. Participating in this demonstrates South Africa’s framework with standards of other countries. The analysis was more towards an interpretive approach than statistical understanding opportunities and inconsistencies to improve.

Connections to other Course Concepts

Multi-method research is one of the concepts that was discussed in class that relates to the article. This is where you combine multiple methods of research to study cybersecurity. There was a combination of primary sources like law and legislation along with secondary sources like policy reports and journals.

Another concept that relates to this is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs because safety and needs is one of the levels and if criminal behavior is not fixed, people will feel unsafe or participate in the illegal crime to not be set back.

Victimization is another concept because it focuses on why South Africa is a target for financial cybercrime and how they run their social structure for their people. They don’t have the availability to access everything so the level of protection is low which increases their vulnerability. Having punishment cannot be the only solution for criminals, when there are other methods to prevent them.

Lastly is Human Factors because this concept deals with studies to create systems compatible for human needs. This article is focused on the people of South Africa, and having the right sources for their well-being will help, compared to something that may work for the United States.  

Connections to the Concerns or contributions of Marginalized Groups

This study examines how marginalized groups are affected by cybercrime from the threats of low cybersecurity protection and weak digital literacy. With the use of the Critical Race Theory, the effort for more cybersecurity policies is a major focus. “As  a  result, systematic  disruptions  in  financial  systems  and  cybersecurity  occasioned  by  racial bias  exacerbate  the  creation  of  wealth  gaps  that  cause  the  marginalised  parts  of society  to  be  exposed  to  cyber  threats”(Modise). The importance of not just punishment, but structure around societal and technological factors is important so disruptions won’t get worse.

Overall societal contributions of the study/Conclusion

In conclusion, this study is a big contribution on how cybersecurity law can be improved for the better of social structures. With the addition of effective cybercrime prevention, you won’t have to require as much punishment. Making this possible is understanding more than just the technical aspects. Integration of artificial intelligence and cybercriminology helps the legal structure evolve to prevent cyber threats, while also having more equitable policies.

References

Modise, D. S. (n.d.). Assessing The Role of Cybercriminology in South Africa’s Combat Against Financial Cybercrime. 19(1), 25. https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/509/150

Article Link: https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/509/150