Cyberpredators and Their Prey

Cyberpredators use the internet and online services to locate and harm victims of all ages, committing crimes such as online romance scam, swatting, trolling, stalking, bullying, harassment, minor sexting, sexual trafficking, child sexual abuse material, sextortion, and image-based sexual abuse offenses. This book provides information on crime definition, typical cyberpredator, motives, and methods, typical victims and behaviors, current criminal laws, the crimes' impact on individual victims and society, cybersecurity prevention and intervention strategies, the unique challenges of regulating, investigating, and prosecuting these cybercrimes, the need for society to hold companies operating online responsible, and the elements of the online environment that foster criminal activity. It is essential reading for security professionals, law enforcement personnel, intelligence agents, private investigators, lawyers, compliance officers, social service workers, and other professionals who deal with interpersonal cybercrime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The online environment has emerged as a relentless and boundless source of interpersonal criminal activity that transcends physical boundaries. Cyberpredators exploit the vast array of internet-based services and platforms, including social networks, online groups, organizations, smartphone apps, bulletin board systems, online forums, websites, internet relay chat channels, to locate and harm victims of all ages through a myriad of offensive tactics. These crimes encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from non-sexual to sexual offenses, such as online romance scams, swatting, trolling, stalking, bullying, harassment, minor sexting, sexual trafficking, child sexual abuse material, sextortion, and image-based sexual abuse offenses.

Within each chapter, readers will find a comprehensive exploration of these crimes, including their definition, relevant issues, typical cyberpredator profiles, motives, and methods. The book also delves into the characteristics of typical victims and the behaviors that make them vulnerable to cyberpredation, shedding light on the impact of these crimes on individual victims and society as a whole. Current criminal laws and their applicability in prosecuting cybercrimes are examined, along with an assessment of their effectiveness in deterring such activities. The book also addresses the crimes' impact on mental health, social relationships, and the broader societal context.

Furthermore, Cyberpredators and Their Prey delves into the unique challenges faced by criminal justice and private security agents in the regulation, investigation, and prosecution of these cybercrimes. It highlights the need for society to hold companies operating online accountable for their role in perpetuating cybercrime. Additionally, the book explores how aspects of the online environment, such as anonymity, toxic disinhibition, de-individuation, and inculpability, contribute to harmful and abusive interpersonal interaction, particularly when enacted by perpetrators as part of a group attack.

Key features of this book include its multidisciplinary approach, which brings together perspectives from psychology, criminal justice, law, and other relevant fields. The book is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including professionals, students, policymakers, and the general public interested in understanding the evolving landscape of cybercrime and its impact on individuals and society.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367551698