Introducing object-oriented modelling to cybercrime scripting: visualisation for improved analysis

Renushka Madarie, Marleen Weulen Kranenbarg, Christianne de Poot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

4 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Crime script analysis as a methodology to analyse criminal processes is underdeveloped. This is apparent from the various approaches in which scholars apply crime scripting and present their cybercrime scripts. The plethora of scripting methods raise significant concerns about the reliability and validity of these scripting studies. In this methodological paper, we demonstrate how object-oriented modelling (OOM) could address some of the currently identified methodological issues, thereby refining crime script analysis. More specifically, we suggest to visualise crime scripts using static and dynamic modelling with the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to harmonise cybercrime scripts without compromising their depth. Static models visualise objects in a system or process, their attributes and their relationships. Dynamic models visualise actions and interactions during a process. Creating these models in addition to the typical textual narrative could aid analysts to more systematically consider, organise and relate key aspects of crime scripts. In turn, this approach might, amongst others, facilitate alternative ways of identifying intervention measures, theorising about offender decision-making, and an improved shared understanding of the crime phenomenon analysed. We illustrate the application of these models with a phishing script.
Original languageEnglish
Article number27
Number of pages15
JournalCrime Science
Volume2024
Issue number13
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Introducing object-oriented modelling to cybercrime scripting: visualisation for improved analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this