Why do people over fifty appear more vulnerable to cybercrimes, and how does it impact them in terms of blame?: The Blame Aftermath of Cybercrime

The research investigates why older adult victims aged fifty years and above appear to be more vulnerable to cybercrime and how their experiences impacted and affected them in terms of blame. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is constantly evolving, but it also comes with the issue of increasing cybercrime. A cybercrime is an attack that can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital platforms, targeting vulnerable individuals. This research aims to explore the impacts on individuals who have been victims of cybercrime and whether they are experiencing any blame. This study uses qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with six participants who have been victims of cybercrime in two European Union countries. Using Locus of Control theory (LoC) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), as conducted through Atlas.ti, the findings revealed that four out of six participants were affected by the events, resulting in self-blame due to...Show moreThe research investigates why older adult victims aged fifty years and above appear to be more vulnerable to cybercrime and how their experiences impacted and affected them in terms of blame. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is constantly evolving, but it also comes with the issue of increasing cybercrime. A cybercrime is an attack that can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital platforms, targeting vulnerable individuals. This research aims to explore the impacts on individuals who have been victims of cybercrime and whether they are experiencing any blame. This study uses qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with six participants who have been victims of cybercrime in two European Union countries. Using Locus of Control theory (LoC) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), as conducted through Atlas.ti, the findings revealed that four out of six participants were affected by the events, resulting in self-blame due to emotional, financial, and psychological impacts. In contrast, two participants blamed external parties, such as institutions and individuals, for becoming victims themselves. The research's limitations included the sample size for testing the hypothesis and self-selection bias resulting from the use of personal networks for recruitment purposes. Recommendations for future research include expanding the sample size, conducting a single-case study from one country, or a comparative case study analysing two different nations and their blame aftermath of cybercrime.Show less

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Why do people over fifty appear more vulnerable to cybercrimes, and how does it impact them in terms of blame? The Blame Aftermath of Cybercrime