Breaking down the politics of gender and nationality on cybercriminal forums
Recently, broader social dynamics, related to gender and nationality, in particular, are shaping the activity of cybercriminal forums. Digital Shadows explored this trend in a new analysis blog, "Unpicking Cybercriminals’ Personalities - Part 1: Gender and Nationality," that looks at how the dynamics of gender and nationality play out in cybercriminal forums and how it’s shaping cybercrime trends as a result.
In the largely-male dominated world of cybercriminal forums, Digital Shadows’ researchers identified cultures of misogyny that transcend national borders. Researchers observed users commented that even if females are present on cybercriminal forums, they hide their gender and pretend to be male, so they do not attract unwanted attention. Numerous examples of sexism and misogyny include: