Introduction to Cybercrime in the Digital Economy Minitrack

The advent of the Internet and the diffusion of computer technologies worldwide have resulted in an unprecedented global expansion of computer-based criminal activity. The very nature of these attacks is also shifting from traditional cyber crime involving lone hackers targeting monolithic entities to involvement of organized crime groups. In the past hackers may have attacked for fun, notoriety, or to challenge themselves, while financial motivations are major consideration nowadays. Computer criminals have begun deploying advanced distributed techniques, which are increasingly effective and devastating. The aim of this mini-track is to encourage research that provides insights into the issue of cyber crime in the digital economy. The six papers included in this mini-track reflect this goal.