Unraveling the Human Factor in Cybercrime: From fraudsters to victims, and emerging offender profiles to protective strategies

This special issue presents cutting-edge research on the human factor in cybercrime, exploring the evolving dynamics of cybercriminal activities. It covers two primary themes: offender-focused studies, which investigate emerging profiles and tactics, and victim-centered studies, examining risk factors, impacts, and protective strategies. The issue stems from the fifth annual conference on the Human Factor in Cybercrime (HFC conference) in Halle (Saale), Germany, reflecting the growing body of research in this field. While research quality is improving, the majority of high-quality studies still emerge from a limited number of countries, highlighting the need for broader international engagement. Contributions in this issue demonstrate diverse research methods and innovative approaches for studying and preventing cyber offending, while victim-focused studies emphasize the importance of tailored prevention strategies. As technology continues to advance, the current contributions offer valuable insights for future research and policy development, stressing the need for comparative studies across different countries to understand and mitigate cybercrime's impacts.