Week 8: Caging the Beast: Investigations and Prosecutions of Cybercrimes

There are currently many government and private agencies dedicated to the investigation and/or prosecution of cybercrimes. The application of computer forensics in solving computer fraud, hacking, cyberattacks, child exploitation, money laundering, organized crime, terrorism, and many other cybercrimes has created a paradigm shift in how we think about and respond to crimes and criminals. Expanding technologies have exponentially increased the opportunities for sophisticated cybercrime activities. Those who investigate cybercrimes must have both technical and analytical training. Investigators must be able to navigate an Internet environment that transcends borders and requires an understanding of laws in many local and international jurisdictions. New methods for protecting potential victims of cybercrimes are being developed, and those who are cyber victims must be willing to report and cooperate with investigators.

This week, you will explore many challenges faced by cybercrime investigators and how they are adapting to the constantly shifting and evolving Internet landscape. A forensic psychology professional who specializes in cybercrimes must develop an understanding of the personalities, thought processes, and behaviors of various cybercriminals in order to assist investigators in their capture and prosecution.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze the challenges in investigating and prosecuting cybercriminals
• Analyze strategies for investigating cybercrime and prosecuting cybercriminals
• Analyze a forensic psychology professional’s role in investigating cybercrimes and prosecuting cybercriminals

Learning Resources

REQUIRED READINGS

Sun, J., Shih, M., & Hwang, M. (2015). A survey of digital evidences forensic and cybercrime investigation procedure. International Journal of Network Security, 17(5), 497–509. Retrieved from http://ijns.jalaxy.com.tw/contents/ijns-v17-n5/ijn…
A survey of digital evidences forensic and cybercrime investigation procedure by Sun, J., Shih, M. & Hwang, M. in International Journal of Network Security, 17(5). Copyright 2015 by Inderscience Enterprises, Ltd. Reprinted by permission of Inderscience Enterprises, Ltd., via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Button, M., Nicholls, C., Kerr, J., & Owen, R. (2014). Online frauds: Learning from victims why they fall for these scams. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 47(3), 391–408. (Accession No. 000346183000006)

Makin, D.A., & Morczek, A.L. (2015). Investigating and prosecuting cyber crime: Forensic dependencies and barriers to justice. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 9(1), 55–119. doi:10.5281/zenodo.22387

Reyns, B. W., & Henson, B. (2016). The thief with a thousand faces and the victim with none: Identifying determinants for online identity theft victimization with routine activity theory. International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology, 60(10), 1119–1139. doi:10.1177/0306624X15572861

U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Computer crime and intellectual property section (CCIPS). Retrieved October 19, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips

Discussion: Following the Trail

The forensic psychology professional possesses a specific and extensive skill set that has applications in many related fields. In addition, he or she has knowledge of criminal profiling and experience with legal proceedings. Consider a situation in which you are involved in a cybercrime investigation and prosecution. What specific skills and/or services can you provide in this domain? What other possible roles could a forensic psychology professional play in a criminal investigation and/or prosecution?

In this Discussion, you will analyze the challenges in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime and the role of the forensic psychology professional in this team. You will also examine strategies to counteract these challenges.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Week 8 Discussion link and then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Learning Resources pertaining to investigating and prosecuting offenders of cybercrimes.
• Consider the many roles that the forensic psychology professional could play in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.

BY DAY 3

Post a response to the following:

• Describe some of the specific challenges faced in investigating cybercrimes and assisting with the prosecution of cybercriminals.
• Explain some of the ethical challenges with investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes.
• Analyze some strategies that could help with those challenges.
• Explain the roles that the forensic psychology professional could play on the team that is investigating a cybercrime and prosecuting the cybercriminal.