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

Examples of our work include: analysis of botnet traffic and spam, investigations of underground online hacking forums, illicit markets, capture of malware, and the evolution of social engineering. The 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. We also draw on law, regulatory theory, security studies, data mining, information security, and computer science.

A major focus is on research training, work experience and cross-disciplinary ‘incubation’ for undergraduate and postgraduate students in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention.

In line with the strategic research priorities of Australia, our research endeavours to assist in improving cybersecurity for Australians including individuals, businesses and government.

Current Research Projects

• Crypto-currency Blockchain Misuse
• Crypto-markets (Darknet Markets) analysis
• Malware or crime-as-a-service
• New trends in Child Exploitation Material (CEM)
• 3D Printed and novel hybrid firearms
• Election Tampering

Collaborate with us

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 training, commissioned research and make available our laboratory and other services on cost recovery fees basis and welcome collaboration.

We welcome expressions of interest from researchers, visitors and students for short-term visits or to commence studies. If you have a background in criminology, sociology, policing, law, applied statistics, computer science, data mining or online research methods, please contact us at: roderic.broadhurst@anu.edu.au

Study with us

Our academics teach into the following programs and courses:
CRIM2010: Cybercrime: an introduction (undergraduate)
Master of Criminology, Justice and Regulation