Tristan Cole
November 11, 2024
Integrated Model of Cybercrime Dynamics: A Comprehensive
Framework for Understanding Offending and Victimization in the
Digital Realm
I will show how criminology, psychology, and sociology which are some principles of Social Science relate to the Integrated Model of Cyber Dynamics (IMCD). In criminology, Routine Activity Theory (RAT) which suggests crime happens when a determined wrongdoer, a valued target, and no one to defend the target all converge at one time. RAT is used by digital offenders and their victims interact when there are no rules and regulations to protect anyone from cyberattacks. The theory emphasizes the importance of effective guardianship. From a psychological stance, the model associates personality traits as major considerations in cybercrime. Online behaviors and motivations are influenced by such traits for both the offender and the victim. The use of the gratification theory is used to explain that people engage in cybercrime. The theory suggests it is done to seek some type of reward like money, power, and respect. A reduction in accountability and anonymity is explained by the disinhibition effect. The effect talks about how little to no social constraints and self-regulation on the internet causes these behaviors. Sociology is emphasized by the IMCD by discussing the roles of social norms. The Social Learning Theory (SLT) states that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others through the observation of social norms. An example would be that how the hacking community wants resist the rest of the online community and even go as far to glorify cybercrime.
Questions and hypothesis used by the IMCD are used to research further into the relationship between people, their online behaviors, and the outcomes from committing cybercrime. Hypotheses include why certain individuals engage in cybercrime due to impulsivity and a sense of sensation. Cyberbullying and online harassment stem from those with traits of narcissism. Identity theft and fraud lead to financial gains. Recognition from one’s peers motivates behaviors like trolling and hacktivism. The prevention of cyberattacks can be attributed to safeguards such as policies and regulations. The framework of the IMCD uses the questions and hypotheses to explore the underlying forces that cause cybercrime and how to prevent them.
The types of research methods used varies upon their functions to create the model. Quantitative methods use surveys and questionnaires to collect data on personality traits, social norms taken from large sample sizes. Controlled experiments evaluate the effects of online disinhibition. Longitudinal methods research individuals on a long-term basis. Statistical analysis identifies the relationship between effects that are directly or indirectly affecting variables. Interviews with hackers and other cyber criminals provide valued insight behind their reasonings. Use of focus groups also provide insight into how a group collectively thinks about cybercrime. Case studies are used use specific instances of cybercrime to demonstrate the IMCD framework in real-world context. Mixing quantitative and qualitative statistics gives a more thorough understanding of the dynamics of cybercrime.
Recommended Citation
Smith, T. PhD (2024). Integrated Model of Cybercrime Dynamics: A Comprehensive Framework for
Understanding Offending and Victimization in the Digital Realm . International Journal of Cybersecurity
Intelligence & Cybercrime, 7(2), – . DOI: https://doi.org/10.52306/2578-3289.1163
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/ijcic/vol7/iss2/4
Copyright © 2024 Troy Smith PhD