Determinantes dos crimes cibernéticos: evidências de um estudo cross-country

Abstract

This study investigates the determining factors that accentuate countries vulnerability to cyberattacks. Cybercrimes consist of illicit actions carried out by individuals known as hackers or groups of people who aim to invade computer systems, networks, and digital devices with the objective of causing damage, stealing private information, or obtaining some kind of advantage. In this sense, the present study aims to investigate the determining factors that intensify countries' vulnerability to cyberattacks. Data from 50 countries, listed in the ranking of Bruce et al. (2024), were analyzed using linear regression to investigate the relationship between cybercrimes and variables related to the dimension of governance quality, politics, and economic indicators. The statistical program Gretl was used to perform the linear regression, based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. The results indicate that the quality of regulation plays a significant role in reducing vulnerability, that is, countries with greater legal security tend to have lower rates of cybercrime. Additionally, the study found a correlation between countries' economic development and the incidence of cybercrimes. However, no significant relationships were found between corruption, political instability, and the occurrence of cyberattacks.