Cybercrime in Global and National Dimensions: Challenges, Impacts, and Solutions

A special issue of Laws (ISSN 2075-471X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 5929

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Interests: cybercrime

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In an era where cybercrime is rapidly evolving and increasingly impacting both the global and national spheres, this Special Issue titled "Cybercrime in Global and National Dimensions: Challenges, Impacts, and Solutions" aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of this multifaceted phenomenon. This Special Issue aims to cast a comprehensive lens over the evolving landscape of cybercrime, acknowledging its significant repercussions on both global and national scales.

Our intent is to cultivate a broad and inclusive exploration of cybercrime, encouraging submissions that touch upon various types of cybercrime issues. This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for discussing the multifaceted nature of cybercrime, highlighting the interconnectedness of global networks, the challenges faced by both private and public sectors, and the differing approaches adopted by nations in response to these crimes.

Contributors are invited to share their insights on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • The global and national dynamics of cybercrime, focusing on how digital technologies facilitate these offenses and the challenges posed for international cooperation and law enforcement;
  • Critical examinations of national legal frameworks, strategies, and policies in combating cybercrime, and their effectiveness in various jurisdictions;
  • In-depth analyses of the specific types of cybercrime, their unique characteristics, and trends, contributing to a holistic understanding of the issue;
  • Discussions on the social, economic, and psychological impacts of cybercrime, offering perspectives on the experiences of victims and the broader implications for society;
  • Reviews of existing legal and policy frameworks, their implementation, and suggestions for reforms to fortify the legal stance against cybercrime, aimed at policymakers, legal professionals, and enforcement agencies;
  • Innovative preventive strategies and technical solutions to mitigate cybercrime risks, providing practical guidance for stakeholders, including cybersecurity experts and the general public;
  • Forward-looking analyses on the evolution of cyber threats and the anticipation of emerging challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and the adaptation of new strategies in the face of evolving cybercriminal tactics.

We encourage submissions that not only address these topics but also highlight innovative solutions, collaborative efforts, and successful models in combating cybercrime. This encompasses interdisciplinary research, public–private partnerships, and international collaborations, offering a stage for sharing models and approaches that can be replicated or tailored to various contexts.

Prof. Dr. Kyung-Shick Choi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cybercrime dynamics
  • global–national impact
  • legal frameworks
  • prevention strategies
  • technological solutions

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2716 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Nature of the Transnational Scam-Related Fraud: Challenges and Solutions from Vietnam’s Perspective
by Hai Thanh Luong and Hieu Minh Ngo
Laws 2024, 13(6), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13060070 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Practical challenges and special threats from scam-related fraud exist for regional and local communities in Southeast Asia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in pig-butchering operations in Southeast Asia is a major concern due to the increased use of digital technology [...] Read more.
Practical challenges and special threats from scam-related fraud exist for regional and local communities in Southeast Asia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in pig-butchering operations in Southeast Asia is a major concern due to the increased use of digital technology and online financial transactions. Many of these operations are linked to organized crime syndicates operating across borders, posing challenges for law enforcement. As a first study in Vietnam, we combined the primary and secondary databases to unveil the nature of transnational scam-related fraud. Findings show that scammers are using advanced methods such as phishing, fraudulent investments, and identity theft to maximize their sophisticated tactics for achieving financial possession. There are organized crime rings operating in Vietnam and Cambodia, with Chinese groups playing a leading role behind the scenes. Social media and its various applications have become common platforms for these criminal activities. This study also calls for practical recommendations to consider specific challenges in combating these crimes, including building a strong framework with clear policies, encouraging multiple educational awareness campaigns in communities, enhancing effective cooperation among law enforcement and others, and supporting evidence-based approaches in research and application. While we recognized and assumed that pig-butchering operations with scam-related fraud are a complex problem that requires a well-rounded and coordinated response, the exact approach would depend on each country’s specific circumstances. Full article
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28 pages, 456 KiB  
Article
Identity Theft: The Importance of Prosecuting on Behalf of Victims
by Christopher S. Kayser, Sinchul Back and Marlon Mike Toro-Alvarez
Laws 2024, 13(6), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13060068 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 889
Abstract
Rates of victimization from identity theft continue to rise exponentially. Personally identifiable information (PII) has become vitally valuable data bad actors use to commit fraud against individuals. Focusing primarily on the United States and Canada, the objective of this paper is to raise [...] Read more.
Rates of victimization from identity theft continue to rise exponentially. Personally identifiable information (PII) has become vitally valuable data bad actors use to commit fraud against individuals. Focusing primarily on the United States and Canada, the objective of this paper is to raise awareness for those involved in criminal justice (CJ) to more fully understand potential life-changing consequences for those whose PII is used fraudulently. We examine the impact of crimes involving PII and the urgent need to increase investigations and legal proceedings for identity theft-related crimes. Referring to a National Crime Victimization Survey, we analyze why many victims of identity theft crimes resist notifying appropriate authorities. We also address why those within the CJ system are often reluctant to initiate actions against occurrences of identity theft. We provide insight into consequences experienced by identity theft victims, particularly if their PII is posted on the Dark Web, a threat that can exist into perpetuity. If rates of victimization from identity theft-based crimes are to decline, reporting of victimization must increase, and current legislation related to investigating and processing identity theft crimes must progress. Full article
19 pages, 365 KiB  
Article
The Legal Challenges of Realistic and AI-Driven Child Sexual Abuse Material: Regulatory and Enforcement Perspectives in Europe
by Katalin Parti and Judit Szabó
Laws 2024, 13(6), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13060067 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1229
Abstract
Although the escalation in online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is not a novel problem, recent digital proliferation has brought about new alarming challenges in addressing the issue. CSAM poses significant risks to children and society in general, the most serious being the [...] Read more.
Although the escalation in online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is not a novel problem, recent digital proliferation has brought about new alarming challenges in addressing the issue. CSAM poses significant risks to children and society in general, the most serious being the long-lasting harmful effects on depicted victims. The already distressing problem is exacerbated by the worldwide appearance and spread of AI-driven or virtual CSAM, as AI offers a fast and increasingly profitable means for the sexual exploitation of children. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of current legislative measures focusing the European Union for combating online CSAM. With a particular focus on AI-driven CSAM, we will systematically evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of these regulations in addressing virtual CSAM. The paper will conclude with policy recommendations to address identified gaps in the European legislative framework concerning virtual CSAM. Full article
19 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Reconceptualizing Policing for Cybercrime: Perspectives from Singapore
by Azfer A. Khan
Laws 2024, 13(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13040044 - 10 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2782
Abstract
As cybercrime proliferates globally, law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in responding effectively. This essay shares perspectives from Singapore, where cybercrime accounted for about 70% of the total annual crime in 2023, with no clear data on case resolution rates. This situation reflects [...] Read more.
As cybercrime proliferates globally, law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in responding effectively. This essay shares perspectives from Singapore, where cybercrime accounted for about 70% of the total annual crime in 2023, with no clear data on case resolution rates. This situation reflects a broader global trend and highlights the need to reconceptualize policing objectives in cyberspace. The fundamental differences between cybercrime and physical crime necessitate a shift from emphasizing the identification and prosecution of perpetrators to adopting a harm-centric perspective. Under this perspective, structures and policies should be implemented to disrupt financial flows, ensure data security, disrupt the spread of harmful content, and prevent physical damage. Once this is done, strategies such as public–private partnerships, international cooperation, and training and building capabilities to address specific harms can be more effectively implemented to mitigate the growing threat that cybercrime poses worldwide. Full article
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