Assessing ransomware victimisation among entrepreneurs using a lifestyle-routine activities approach

• In Event: Cybercrime Offenders & Victims II

Abstract

Each year, entrepreneurs across the globe are confronted with ransomware and faced with the complex decision to pay a ransom demand. Victimisation can have profound negative consequences, ranging from financial costs to feelings of unsafety. Yet, little is currently known about the prevalence of ransomware victimisation among entrepreneurs and whether specific activities or characteristics make entrepreneurs more vulnerable to victimisation. Using survey data of 2,685 Dutch entrepreneurs, we examined the association between components of the lifestyle-routine activity approach and the risk of ransomware victimisation. In particular, we looked at the average time spent online for the company, the online activities of the company, cybersecurity measures and characteristics of the company, such as the annual turnover and being insured for cyber incidents. During the presentation, differences in lifestyle-routine activities between victims and non-victims will be discussed. Furthermore, the implications of the findings for theory and practice will be addressed.

Authors

• Sifra Matthijsse, The Hague University of Applied Sciences

• Susanne van 't Hoff-de Goede, The Hague University of Applied Sciences

• Jelle Brands, Leiden University

• Rutger Leukfeldt, NSCR