Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive and integrative introduction to cybercrime, covering key theoretical and methodological perspectives, computer hacking, digital piracy, economic crime, pornography, online sex crime, cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, cyber-terrorism, the Dark Web, digital forensic investigation, law enforcement response, policy, and legislation. It is revised and updated with two new chapters on cyberwarfare and illicit market operations and includes lively features such as discussion questions, boxed examples, quotes, and a glossary. It is essential reading for courses on cybercrime, cyber-deviancy, digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and the sociology of technology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 790 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and cutting-edge book provides a thorough and holistic introduction to the realm of cybercrime. It serves as an authoritative synthesis of the diverse literature on the various forms of cybercrime, the global investigation and detection of cybercrime, and the broader role of technology as a facilitator for social relationships between deviants and criminals. The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

Key theoretical and methodological perspectives: This section delves into the theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used to study cybercrime. It explores the various schools of thought and analytical frameworks employed in understanding the nature, causes, and consequences of cybercrime.

Computer hacking and malicious software: This chapter explores the techniques and methods used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, compromise security, and exploit vulnerabilities. It discusses the use of hacking tools, malware, and other malicious software to perpetrate cyberattacks and steal sensitive information.

Digital piracy and intellectual theft: This section examines the illegal acquisition and distribution of copyrighted content, including music, movies, software, and intellectual property. It explores the economic implications of digital piracy and the measures taken by governments and organizations to combat it.

Economic crime and online fraud: This chapter explores the various forms of economic crime that occur online, such as credit card fraud, identity theft, and online auction fraud. It discusses the techniques used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in online systems and the legal consequences of these crimes.

Pornography and online sex crime: This section examines the proliferation of online pornography and the associated risks and harms to individuals, particularly children. It explores the legal and ethical implications of online sex crime and the measures taken by governments and organizations to address it.

Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking: This chapter explores the harmful effects of cyberbullying and cyberstalking on individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents. It discusses the strategies used by cybercriminals to target and harass individuals online and the legal and social responses to these crimes.

Cyber-terrorism and extremism: This section examines the use of technology for extremist purposes, such as recruiting members, spreading propaganda, and planning terrorist attacks. It explores the legal and ethical challenges associated with countering cyberterrorism and the measures taken by governments and organizations to prevent and respond to these threats.

The rise of the Dark Web: This chapter explores the hidden and encrypted parts of the internet, known as the Dark Web, where illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons sales occur. It discusses the anonymity and security features of the Dark Web and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and disrupting these activities.

Digital forensic investigation and its legal context around the world: This section discusses the process of collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence in the context of criminal investigations. It explores the legal frameworks.

The law enforcement response to cybercrime transnationally: This chapter examines the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in responding to cybercrime that crosses national boundaries. It discusses the cooperation between different countries and international organizations in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime and the legal frameworks and protocols in place to facilitate such cooperation.

Cybercrime policy and legislation across the globe: This chapter explores the policies and legislation enacted by governments and organizations to address cybercrime. It discusses the legal frameworks and frameworks in place to protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats, the role of technology in shaping cybercrime policy, and the challenges and opportunities associated with developing effective cybercrime policies and legislation.

The new edition of this book has been revised and updated, featuring two new chapters. The first chapter offers an expanded discussion of cyberwarfare and information operations online, while the second chapter discusses illicit market operations for various products on both the Open and Dark Web.

In addition to its comprehensive coverage of cybercrime, this book includes lively and engaging features such as discussion questions, boxed examples of unique events and key figures in offending, quotes from interviews with active offenders, and a comprehensive glossary of terms. It is supplemented by a companion website that includes further exercises for students and instructor resources.

This text is an essential reading for courses on cybercrime, cyber-deviancy, digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and the sociology of technology. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex and evolving nature of cybercrime and its impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

Weight: 1500g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367360078
Edition number: 3 ed