Romania Ranked Sixth in World Cybercrime Index Amid Rise in Online Fraud and Scams
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A recent academic research project has revealed that Romania, a country known for its well-educated population and proximity to neighboring cybercrime hotspots, is producing significant amounts of online fraud and scams. According to the study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Australia, and France, Romania ranked sixth on the World Cybercrime Index (WCI).
Methodology
The researchers analyzed data collected from 92 cybercrime experts who were asked to rank the top five cybercrime-producing nations in five different categories:
- Technical products and services
- Attacks and extortion
- Data and identity theft
- Scams
- Cashing out or money laundering
Romania’s Ranking: A Surprise?
According to the researchers, Romania’s ranking is a surprise due to its history of hosting a cybercriminal ecosystem. Chester Wisniewski, director and field CTO at cybersecurity firm Sophos, attributes this to Romania’s proximity to neighboring cybercrime states like Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova.
“Romania has always had elevated cybercrime activity… likely due to its well-educated population and relationships with neighboring cybercrime states,” he said.
Other Countries’ Rankings
The study also found that Nigeria, which ranked fifth on the list, is a significant producer of all types of cybercrime, but specializes in scams. Brazil ranked ninth on the list.
Limitations of the World Cybercrime Index
Sean McNee, vice president of research and data at DomainTools, noted that when evaluating cybercrime groups in locales such as Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea, it is challenging to determine if groups are operating purely on their own accord or on behalf of a nation-state sponsor.
Future Research Directions
The researchers plan to investigate how the World Cybercrime Index correlates with other characteristics of each nation, such as:
- Gross domestic product (GDP)
- Income inequality
- Internet penetration
- Corruption
They also aim to explore how cybercrime policies can impact their scores.
Implications for Policymakers and Diplomats
The findings of the study have implications for policymakers and diplomats seeking to influence countries and gain cooperation in addressing the global issue of online fraud and scams. Wisniewski noted that the data gives little actionable information to defenders but could be useful for policymakers and diplomats interested in influencing countries and gaining cooperation.
Potential Solutions
McNee suggested that encouraging policies to promote technology sectors in these countries could have a net positive impact on the economy by turning cybercriminals into entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the need for continued research and collaboration between nations to combat online fraud and scams. The rankings may not reflect recent changes to the cyber threat landscape, but they do provide valuable insights into the global nature of cybercrime.