Ransomware Against Police: Diagnosis of Risk Factors via Application of Cyber-Routine Activities Theory
Choi KS, Scott TM, LeClair DP · International Journal of Forensic Science & Pathology · 2016
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 US. 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.