The dangers and costs of cybercrime continue to weigh heavily on modern society, with the ever-evolving online threats coming from various parts of the world. A recent study, conducted by an international team of researchers from the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra, has resulted in the creation of the first “Global Cybercrime Index”. This new initiative aims to rank the countries of greatest concern in terms of cybercrime and identify the main cybercrime hotspots worldwide.
The results of this study reveal the top 10 countries with the most active cybercrime, based on criteria such as the technical skills of individuals, the impact of their actions and the level of professionalism observed. Categories assessed include the production of technical products/services, online attacks and extortion, data and identity theft, various frauds and money laundering.
At the top of this list is Russia, with a remarkable score of 58.39 in the Global Cybercrime Index. Closely followed by Ukraine, which occupies the second place with a score of 36.44, also recognized for the quality of its cybercriminals and their technical expertise. China, meanwhile, ranks third, with a score of 27.86, reflecting its own arsenal of cyber threats.
The United States ranks fourth in this ranking, with a score of 25.01, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in countering online threats. The federal agency FBI plays a crucial role in the fight against cybercrime in the United States, with specially trained teams spread across the country.
Nigeria, although located in Africa, is not far behind and ranks fifth in the world in terms of cybercrime, with a score of 21.28. Measures have been put in place by the Nigerian government, including the adoption of the Cybercrime Act 2015, to combat these online threats.
Other countries in this top 10 list of the most active cybercrime nations include Romania, North Korea, the United Kingdom, Brazil and India. Each of these countries faces unique challenges in online security, and are looking to strengthen their capabilities to address the growing digital threats.
It is clear that cybercrime is a global problem that requires concerted action and international cooperation to protect individuals, businesses and governments from these ever-evolving threatsBy identifying the countries most at risk, the Global Cybercrime Index provides essential information to guide efforts to combat this digital scourge, and to ensure security and trust in the global digital space.