To read this content please select one of the options below:

Multi-agency partnerships in cybercrime reduction: Mapping the UK information assurance network cooperation space

Michael Levi (Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK)
Matthew Leighton Williams (Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK)

Information Management & Computer Security

ISSN: 0968-5227

Article publication date: 25 November 2013

3202

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to map out multi-agency partnerships in the UK information assurance (UKIA) network in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveyed members of the UKIA community and achieved a 52 percent response rate (n=104). The paper used a multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) technique to map the multi-agency cooperation space and factor analysis and ordinary least squares regression to identify predictive factors of cooperation frequency. Qualitative data were also solicited via the survey and interviews with security managers.

Findings

Via the quantitative measures, the paper locates gaps in the multi-agency cooperation network and identifies predictors of cooperation. The data indicate an over-crowded cybersecurity space, problems in apprehending perpetrators, and poor business case justifications for SMEs as potential inhibitors to cooperation, while concern over certain cybercrimes and perceptions of organisational effectiveness were identified as motivators.

Practical implications

The data suggest that the neo-liberal rationality that has been evoked in other areas of crime control is also evident in the control of cybercrimes. The paper concludes divisions exist between the High Policing rhetoric of the UK's Cyber Security Strategy and the (relatively) Low Policing cooperation outcomes in “on the ground” cyber-policing. If the cooperation outcomes advocated by the UK Cyber Security Strategy are to be realised, UKIA organisations must begin to acknowledge and remedy gaps and barriers in cooperation.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first mixed-methods evidence on the multi-agency cooperation patterns amongst the UKIA community in the UK and highlights significant gaps in the network.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Nominet Trust under the grant “Mapping Cybercrime and its Control”.

Citation

Levi, M. and Leighton Williams, M. (2013), "Multi-agency partnerships in cybercrime reduction: Mapping the UK information assurance network cooperation space", Information Management & Computer Security, Vol. 21 No. 5, pp. 420-443. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMCS-04-2013-0027

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles