Publication Date
2016
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Technologically advanced hackers are able to commit a crime and leave undiscovered by the authorities. Recent increases in cyber-attacks utilizing technology known as ransomware are leaving police departments and other institutions in the serious situation of having to pay ransom to cybercriminals. The present study employs a Cyber-Routine Theoretical approach in explaining why ransomware victimization has become a viral phenomenon. Data were derived from the recent reported cases of ransomware attacks towards police departments in the U.S. and analyzed in order to build a victim profile. This study shows that online lifestyle and cybersecurity are the salient factors that contribute to the ransomware victimization. Future potential preventive measures and policies will be discussed.
Original Citation
Choi, K.S., Scott, T.M., & LeClair, D.P. (2016). Ransomware against Police: Diagnosis of Risk Factors via Application of Cyber-Routine Activities Theory. International Journal of Forensic Science & Pathology, 4(7), 253-258.
Virtual Commons Citation
Choi, Kyung-shick; Scott, T. M.; and LeClair, Daniel P. (2016). Ransomware against Police: Diagnosis of Risk Factors via Application of Cyber-Routine Activities Theory. In Criminal Justice Faculty Publications. Paper 29.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/crim_fac/29
Rights
© 2016 KS Choi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.