A Review of Cybercrime Research: Synthesis and Future Directions

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Information and Management

Volume

63

Issue

5

DOI

10.1016/j.im.2026.104369

Abstract

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities conducted in cyberspace that encompass a wide range of illegal actions harming individuals, organizations, and societies. Although prior research has examined various cybercrime phenomena, the literature remains fragmented across disciplines and topics, limiting a comprehensive understanding of this complex domain. This study addresses this gap through an interdisciplinary review of 197 cybercrime studies across the information systems and criminology fields, drawing on journals from the AIS Basket of 11 and the “Big Three” in criminology. The review identifies and synthesizes major cybercrime topics, including security attacks, digital piracy, online fraud, cyberbullying, digital theft, online sexual exploitation, cyberterrorism, and cyberstalking. By integrating findings across these domains, we develop a holistic perspective of cybercrime research and uncover key tensions and inconsistencies within the literature. Building on this synthesis, we propose an overarching model of cybercrime that conceptually links key actors, actions, antecedents, consequences, and mechanisms such as drivers, inhibitors, and defensive measures. In addition, we examine the theoretical foundations underlying cybercrime research and demonstrate how theories can be extended and applied across different cybercrime contexts. Finally, we identify critical gaps in the literature and outline directions for future research to advance scholarly understanding and inform practical strategies for combating cybercrime.

Keywords

Cyberbullying, Cybercrime, Cyberstalking, Cyberterrorism, Digital piracy, Digital theft, Online fraud, Online sexual exploitation, Security attacks

Department

Information Systems and Technology

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