Limitations and Possibilities of Estimating the Costs of Cybercrime, Thomas J. Holt , Michigan State University

Abstract:
Cybercrimes present a clear threat to individuals, industry, and government alike. There are, however, substantial limitations to our understanding of both the offenders and victims of this form of crime. The lack of knowledge is due in part to an absence of quantifiable data on both the number of incidents that occur, as well as the ways that victims must remediate and repair infections and attacks. There is also minimal research considering the labor and capital costs that offenders encounter when attempting to engage in cybercrimes, as well as their potential profits. This study will discuss these limitations as well as explore potential models to account for offender profits using various data sources. Finally, the implications of this study for public policy and research are examined in depth.