The ANU Cybercrime Observatory’s mission is to monitor and identify trends from data collected from the Internet, or through government and industry partners.

Examples of our work include that analysis of botnet traffic and spam, investigations of underground online hacking forums, illicit markets, capture of malware, and the evolution of social engineering. The Observatory’s goal is to identify the patterns, methods and causes of Internet-based crime and to better understand the impact on victims and society.

Our research is focused on the disciplines of criminology and crime prevention. In line with the strategic research priorities of Australia, our team endeavours to assist in improving cybersecurity for Australians including individuals, businesses and government. We draw on law, regulatory theory, security studies, data mining, information security and computer science.

The ANU Cybercrime Observatory operates as an independent non-profit research group, leveraging data sharing partnerships with government, business and other cybercrime research groups. We undertake commissioned research and related services on a cost recovery fees basis and welcome collaboration. We have also offered research training, work experience and cross-disciplinary ‘incubation’ for undergraduate and postgraduate students in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention.

Hero image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash