Russia, Ukraine, China, and the US all topped the World Cybercrime Index, implying that they are all cybercrime hotspots.
World Cybercrime Index
Scientists from the University of New South Wales Canberra and the University of Oxford worked together to compile the World Cybercrime Index. The report reveals that only relatively few countries house the most significant threats posed by cybercrime.
The index and the study's findings were noted in the "Mapping the Global Geography of Cybercrime with the World Cybercrime Index" study.
The researcher put together the list by collecting data through a survey of 92 leading global experts on cybercrime. All of them are involved in investigations and gathering cybercrime intelligence.
As part of the survey, experts were asked to consider five major cybercrime categories and nominate the nations that they think are the highest sources of such cybercrime. The experts then had to rank the countries in terms of cybercriminal impact, technical skill, and professionalism.
According to Jonathan Lusthaus, a co-author of the study and an association global sociology professor at the University of Oxford, the US and other Western nations had a relatively high ranking in the survey due to the money-laundering or cashing out category.
Thomas Holt, a criminal justice professor from Michigan State University who did not participate in the study, also notes that the US experiences virtually every type of cybercrime.
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How Cybercrime Affects the Mental Health of Victims
As cybercrime rises, mental health professionals say that data breaches and other types of cybercrimes are posing a heavy psychological toll on millions of Americans who have fallen victim to fraudsters.
Cybercrime victims may struggle with feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness. They may experience sleep disruptions and decreases in energy levels. They may also try to cope and self-medicate with food, drugs, or alcohol. For some individuals, they may experience more severe aftereffects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
There are also extreme cases where data theft could leave lives wrecked. Some affected individuals have resulted in divorce, resignation, or even suicide.
Dr. Maria Bada, a research associate from the University of Cambridge's Cambridge Cybercrime Center, explained that depending on the identity of the attackers and victims, the psychological impacts of cyber attacks could be compared to those of traditional terrorism.
A study conducted by the nonprofit organization Identity Theft Resource revealed that 86% of identity theft victims reportedly felt frustrated, angry, and worried. Almost 70% felt unsafe and were unable to trust others. Over two-thirds reported feeling helpless or powerless, while 59% were afflicted with sadness. Around 50% reported losing interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy.
Such negative feelings could lead to physical repercussions. Almost 85% reportedly experienced sleep disruptions, while 77% had higher stress levels. Almost 64% reported difficulties with concentrating. Nearly 57% also experienced headaches, pains, cramps, and aches.
Terri Howard, the senior director of FEI Workforce Resilience, shared in 2020 that some ways to cope with the effects of cybercrime include talking about the matter, practicing self-care, taking back control, stopping blaming oneself, and considering professional help.
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