How Cybersecurity causes Cybercrime

• In Event: Computers and Network Intrusions: Towards an Understanding of Criminality

Abstract

The problem of cybercrime is almost always now seen as a problem of cybersecurity. That is, a problem which can be fixed by better virus protection, stronger filters, enhanced encryption and other kinds of technical fix. In this paper I suggest that a converse process of reasoning is now urgently required. Rather than looking to cybersecurity as a solution to cybercrime I argue that we should view it as one of the key factors which cause or enable cybercrime. Drawing upon a major two-year study which aims to rethink the human-technical relation in terms of evolutionary dynamics – as a ‘natural’ ecosystem where threat and response develop symbiotically, this paper will present some initial findings of this research and discuss how a more complete understanding of the relationship between cybersecurity and cybercrime is needed if we are to protect our information systems more effectively.

Author

• Mike McGuire, University of Surrey