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The risk perception and coping mechanisms of cybercrime

Walterscheid, M.K. (2021) The risk perception and coping mechanisms of cybercrime.

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Abstract:Cybercrime is increasing and hence an issue that must be fought against effectively. Each year financial losses are estimated to be in the billions, not accounting for the psychological damages that it inflicts. Research into the more psychological aspects of cybercrime is scarce but knowledge on peoples’ judgements of the risks of cybercrimes and coping measures might be useful knowledge to be used against cybercrime. To establish that basis, this study aims to explore how risk perception differs depending on cybercrime and how factors like coping strategies or gender affect risk perception. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was distributed online, mostly among students, and two scales were developed to measure risk perception and coping strategies for up to six cybercrimes. Multivariate analysis resulted in findings of positive relationships between risk perception and gender, education, coping strategies, victimization, knowledge and time spent on the internet, which were strongest for crimes of online violence and cyberstalking. Future research should go deeper and discover the causes for these findings. With this knowledge interventions can be developed to facilitate the usage of protective and coping measures by influencing risk perceptions and so reduce the impact of cybercrime.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86582
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