India Ranks 10th in Cybercrime, with Russia Leading and Ukraine Following

According to a recent cybercrime ranking, India has been ranked 10th in terms of cybercrime, with the most common type being scams where people are tricked into making advance fee payments. This study, called the 'World Cybercrime Index,' assessed around 100 countries, pinpointing key areas of cybercrime like credit card theft, ransomware, and scams. The leading countries in cybercrime were found to be Nigeria, Ukraine, Russia, US, China, and Romania, with Russia topping the list.

The research team surveyed experts from March to October 2021, receiving 92 complete responses. They classified cyber offenses into different categories, encompassing technical elements like attacks, malware, and extortion like ransomware, along with offenses such as data and identity theft, exemplified by hacking, and fraudulent activities like advance fee schemes. Additionally, they noted instances of money laundering facilitated through virtual currencies.

The study for cybercrime rates revealed that countries like Russia and Ukraine are hubs for highly technical cybercrimes, while Nigerian cybercriminals focus on less technical forms. Each country seemed to specialize in different types of cybercrimes. The US and Romania were found to deal with both high-tech and low-tech crimes, while India was described as a "balanced hub," focusing on mid-tech crimes.

The researchers highlighted that this three-year-long study aims to shed light on the geographical distribution of cybercrime and how different countries specialize in various types of cybercrimes. They believe this understanding will aid in combating the rising threat of profit-driven cybercrime. The experts involved in the study were professionals with extensive experience in cybercrime investigation, intelligence, and attribution, ensuring the credibility of the research findings.