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Exploring the Shift from Physical to Cybercrime at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Miloslava Plachkinova

    (Kennesaw State University, United States)

Abstract

The novel coronavirus has made an impact on virtually every aspect of our lives. The current study utilizes secondary data to identify patterns and trends related to shifting crime from the physical to the cyber domain. With millions, if not billions, people staying at home, attackers now look for new ways to commit crimes. Our findings indicate that while a lot of crimes such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder have declined at the beginning of the pandemic, we are also witnessing a rise in cybercrime, vehicle theft, and domestic violence. The current study looks specifically at phishing and what new trends are observed due to COVID-19. The current work is grounded in routine activity theory and demonstrates its relevance to both the physical and cyberspace. The implications of our work can be used by scholars who want to continue researching this new phenomenon. Practitioners can utilize our findings to look for ways to improve the corporate security posture by protecting the employees and customers working from home. Developing new phishing training and awareness programs should be focused around possible scenarios involving COVID-19. Our study suggests victims are more likely to fall prey to those during times of fear and uncertainty like the current pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Miloslava Plachkinova, 2021. "Exploring the Shift from Physical to Cybercrime at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic," International Journal of Cyber Forensics and Advanced Threat Investigations, Concept Tech Publishing, vol. 2(1), pages 50-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:aox:rcfati:v:2:y:2021:i:1:p:50-62
    DOI: 10.46386/ijcfati.v2i1.29
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Smith, 2009. "Understanding entrepreneurial behaviour in organized criminals," Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 3(3), pages 256-268, August.
    2. Rajagopal, 2014. "The Human Factors," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Architecting Enterprise, chapter 9, pages 225-249, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. Jonathan Lusthaus, 2013. "How organised is organised cybercrime?," Global Crime, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 52-60, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elisa Wallwaey & Kerstin Cuhls & Attila Havas, 2022. "The interpenetration of criminal and lawful economic activities," CERS-IE WORKING PAPERS 2226, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies.

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