Research Trends in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity: A Review Based on Web of Science Core Collection Database

Abstract

Studies on cybercrime and cybersecurity have expanded in both scope and breadth in recent years. This study offers a bibliometric review of research trends in cybercrime and cybersecurity over the past 26 years (1995-2021) based on Web of Science core collection database. Specifically, we examine the growth of scholarship and the expanded scope of subject categories and relevant journals. We also analyze the research collaboration network based on authors’ affiliated institutions and countries. Finally, we identify major topics within the fields, how each topic relates to – and diverges from – one another, and their evolution over time. Overall, we illustrate the scientific landscape of cybercrime and cybersecurity scholarship by quantitatively synthesizing major components of existing literature. This study offers actionable insights to help researchers identify key research resources, establish/expand collaboration networks, and investigate emerging research topics in this increasingly important domain in criminology and criminal justice.