No abstract

Understanding cybercrime involvement is critical to tackle the growing global threat it represents. However, research is heterogeneous and scattered across different disciplines. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this systematic narrative review synthesizes 86 documents on pathways into, desistance from, and risk factors related to cyber-dependent crime (hacking, malware, and DDoS attacks), and identifies research gaps. Analyses indicate that individuals interested in technology and online videogames meet peers involved in hacking activities, learn from them, and begin to engage in cybercrime. Desistance is influenced by a cost-benefit analysis and maturing. We also identified 27 risk factors for cyber-offending, including being young, male, having low self-control and deviant peers, and frequently using the Internet. Lastly, we outline multiple research gaps.

Financial-economic cyber-enabled crime (hereinafter: financial cybercrime) has increased dramatically over the past years. However, research on financial cybercrime is still underdeveloped and highly heterogeneous, especially regarding the processes of initiation to and desistance from crime. This paper synthesizes existing knowledge on pathways into, desistance from, and risk factors related to financial cybercrime, and identifies research gaps. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we executed a systematic search and identified 37 eligible documents published as of February 2022, indicating two initiation points into financial cybercrime: involvement in traditional crime, and experiencing strain. Through social learning, individuals then learn the necessary skills and knowledge and engage in financial cybercrime, after which the decision to desist is influenced by a cost-benefit analysis, the use of neutralization techniques, and maturing. As for risk factors, we identified 33, with being male, unemployed, having low self-control and deviant peers, and wanting to earn money quickly being of potential importance. Regarding research gaps, there is a dearth of research related to the initiation and desistance processes of financial cybercrime, and the identified studies lacked a robust research designs, with 76 percent being of low or medium quality. More quality research is needed to address these issues.