Cyber PhD research in 2024

In 2024 10 (!) PhD candidates were active in research on the topics of cybercrime and cybersecurity. There are researchers who recently started but also researchers who are finishing their research project. In the following list we describe the topic per researcher.

Alternative interventions for online fraud: Future implications

Merel van Leuken, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
As an alternative to criminal law, victims of online fraud can claim financial compensation by holding the beneficiary account holder liable. This study aims to establish how this intervention works, what (un)intended consequences it has for victims, offenders and society, and how potential risks can be reduced.

Decoding ransomware negotiations: Analyzing phases and influence strategies

Michalis Georgiou, University of Twente – Saxion University of Applied Sciences
This research focuses on the negotiation process during ransomware incidents. We plan to utilize chat logs from actual cases, to examine the distinct phases during a ransomware negotiation and the influence strategies employed by both cybercriminals and victim organizations. Insights from this study will offer new perspectives on handling ransomware negotiations effectively.

Anti-establishment conspiracy thinking in the Netherlands

Renze Tjoelker, Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Anti-establishment conspiracy thinking mainly has negative outcomes and poses a threat to democracy. Through a systematic literature review, a longitudinal survey study and interviews, this PhD research promotes in-depth knowledge about (online) factors that contribute to anti-establishment conspiracy thinking. Results serve practice and education in the safety domain.

Stimulating data incident reporting behaviour

Sander Ebbers, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences – Open Universiteit
This research aims to understand data incident reporting behavior within organizations and to develop behavioural interventions influencing such reporting behaviour. It suggests focusing on human-centered security and empowering employees to recognize and report data incidents.

Nature and prevention of ransomware

Sifra Matthijsse, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
This research project will investigate the crime-commission process of ransomware attacks to gain insight into how cybercriminals and victims act and the aspects that are essential for criminals to successfully carry out the crime. Moreover, it will provide a starting point for the development of interventions to counter ransomware.

Recruiting money mules: The online and offline involvement mechanisms of cybercrime

Luuk Bekkers, The Hague University of Applied Sciences – Leiden University
Money mules are key in the execution of financial-economic cybercrimes. By using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the aim of the current dissertation is to explain how money mules are recruited by criminal networks. More knowledge on the involvement mechanisms of cybercrime has important implications for research and practice.

Involvement mechanisms for financial-economic cyber-enabled crime, and prevention strategies against it

Joeri Loggen, The Hague University of Applied Sciences – Leiden University
This PhD project aims to get a better understanding of the different involvement mechanisms and risk factors that play a role in the initiation process for financial-economic cyber-enabled crime (e.g. phishing). Furthermore, we aim to develop and evaluate an intervention aimed at disrupting this process.

Ethics of care as a corporate governance model

Jasmijn Boeken, The Hague University of Applied Sciences – Leiden University
In this PhD project, a corporate governance model that facilitates the implementation of security by design is suggested. It broadens our view on cybersecurity, highlighting social aspects. Integrating care ethics with stakeholder theory, the novel model will emphasize relationships, empowerment, and the obligation of care.

The role of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) markets for trading Remote Access Trojans (RATs)

Hannah Kool, Nederlands Studiecentrum Criminaliteit en Rechtshandhaving (NSCR)
The aim of this PhD project is to advance the field of cybercrime, concentrating on understanding the ecosystem of CaaS marketplaces, particularly those where RATs are traded. This project seeks to explore the operational dynamics of CaaS as a critical online engagement mechanism for (potential) cybercriminals, examining their behaviors and interactions that facilitate or deter their activities. By exploring the functionalities of CaaS marketplaces, the project aims to contribute to theoretical frameworks, crime prevention and cutting pathways into cybercrime.

Cultivating cyber resilience: Towards an ecosystemof shared responsibility

Elif Ozer, Saxion University of Applied Sciences – University of Twente
Organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with disruption from such attacks seen as inevitable. The two main approaches to dealing with this threat are repression – avoiding failure, and resilience – the collective ability to prevent and recover. Therefore, this PhD project seeks to cultivate cyber resilience through a culture of shared responsibility.

Download the Cyber PhD Poster PhD Projects CWNL 2024