DOCSLIB.ORG

The Prevention of Internal Identity Theft-Related Crimes: a Case Study Research of the UK Online Retail Companies

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Prevention of Internal Identity Theft-Related Crimes: a Case Study Research of the UK Online Retail Companies The Prevention of Internal Identity Theft-Related Crimes: A Case Study Research of the UK Online Retail Companies by Romanus Izuchukwu Okeke A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Central Lancashire May 2015 STUDENT DECLARATION Concurrent registration for two or more academic awards I declare that while registered as a candidate for the research degree, I have not been registered candidate or enrolled student for another award of the University or other academic or professional institution. Material submitted for another award I declare that no material contained in the thesis has been used in any other submission for an academic award and is solely my own work. Signature of Candidate Type of Award PhD School Lancashire Business School [i] ABSTRACT Ranked the third biggest cyber security threats of 2013 by Forbes, Internal Identity Theft-Related Crimes (IIDTRC) leave countless victims in their wake, including online retail companies and consumers. With the rapid growth in the use of credit and debit cards in e-commerce, the online retail has been a key target for the IIDTRC perpetrators. IIDTRC involve the misuse of information systems (IS) by the dishonest employees to steal victims’ personal identifiable data. The crimes pose significant socio-economic impact and data security risks. In the context of online retail, relatively little research has been done to prevent IIDTRC. A few studies focus on situational-based IIDTRC prevention approach built on an independent use of software security. Others develop IIDTRC prevention frameworks in the context of generic e-businesses. The majority of the frameworks have little or no grounded empirical research. This research entitled the ‘The Prevention of Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: A Case Study Research of the UK Online Retail Companies’, attempts to bridge this research gap. It provides answers to two questions – what is the nature of IIDTRC in online retail companies and what framework can be used for IIDTRC prevention. This research set out three aims to answer the two questions. First, it provides understanding of causes, methods of carrying out and prevention of IIDTRC. Second, it extends a role-based framework (RBF) for the prevention of IIDTRC. Third, it evaluates the extent the RBF can be applied in the prevention of IIDTRC in online retail companies. A qualitative case study was used to achieve these aims. The empirical data were collected in the northwest of UK from 2011 to 2013. The field study was carried through archival analysis, semi-structured interview and participant observation. Organisational role theory (ORT) was used to guide the concept of a role- based framework (RBF) – a collaborative approach where the key components of management work in unison is required to prevent IIDTRC. The attributes of RBF were synthesised from the recommended IIDTRC prevention practices. The empirical evidence suggests that IIDTRC perpetrators in online retail companies are likely to be the top management and call centre employees. The findings suggest that online retail consumers’ credits/debits cards details are as much vulnerable to IIDTRC as the companies’ identities such as trade secrets and trademarks. Furthermore, the common methods used by the IIDTRC perpetrators include collaboration, collusion, infiltration and social engineering. [ii] Some of the IIDTRC prevention practices, of which the majority is software security, are implemented without considering the contribution of human-centred security based on management roles. In examining the contribution of the management roles in implementing Information Systems security practices, major challenges that are faced by online retail companies were identified. They include lack of resources, lack of management support and lack of IIDTRC prevention awareness training. This research concludes that an application of RBF can reduce the impact of the identified challenges. This was suggested by applying RBF in conducting IS security auditing in three online retail companies. The finding from the selected companies suggests that the RBF approach can maximise management performance in providing effective IIDTRC prevention practices. It provides better returns on cost, quality and time in the IS security auditing. It has an impact on management attitudes on preventing IIDTRC by clarifying and aligning their roles in implementing effective IS security auditing. There is heterogeneity of this effect across the companies suggesting that some are utilising the RBF approach while others are not. The finding confirms the plausibility of the RBF attributes. It suggests that the human-centred security play an integral role for effective internal data security in preventing IIDTRC. It suggests that it pays to use the collaborative management roles approach for implementing IIDTRC prevention practices. Furthermore, the use of the RBF approach can improve the effectiveness of the online retail companies in preventing IIDTRC. The findings suggest that benefits may accrue from the RBF approach when supplemented with a collaborative IS auditing. The benefits depend on the level of management IT skills, their perception of their roles, top management support and the organisational operations. This research contributes to the literature in identity theft prevention in online retail. To IS security practitioners, it identifies the data security challenges and IIDTRC prevention practices. To theory, it extends a role-based framework for IIDTRC prevention. To the emerging research in the digital economy, it puts forward as a robust starting point for further related works in cyber security, cybercrimes prevention and criminology. [iii] TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT DECLARATION.............................................................................................. I ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... II LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................ X LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................. X ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... XIII LIST OF ACRONYMS AND MEANINGS ................................................................... XIV CHAPTER 1 RESEARCH INTRODUCTION 1.1 Research Ba c k g r o u n d ............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: Extent of the Problem .............................. 2 1.3 Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: Global Issue ........................................ 2 1.3.1 Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: UK Issue .......................................... 3 1.3.2 IIDTRC: Case of UK Online Retail Companies ............................................. 4 1.4 Related Studies on Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes .................................... 5 1.4.1 Prevention of IIDTRC: The Background of Role Sharing................................... 7 1.4.2 Concept of Role-based Framework ..................................................................... 9 1.5 Research Aim and Objectives .................................................................................... 10 1.6 Research Questions .................................................................................................... 11 1.7 Research Design and Methodology ............................................................................ 12 1.8 Research Benefits ....................................................................................................... 13 1.9 Thesis Outline ............................................................................................................. 14 [iv] CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 16 2.1.1 Literature Review Framework ........................................................................... 16 2.1.2 Review Background ........................................................................................... 17 2.2 Concepts of Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: Definitions and Themes .......... 19 2.2.1 Definition of Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: The Contextual Issues ... 20 2.2.2 Definition of IIDTRC: The Circumstantial Issues ............................................. 21 2.3 Understanding Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes at the Workplace .................. 25 2.3.1 Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: Workplace Dishonesty ........................ 25 2.3.2 Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes: Perpetrators Motive ............................ 27 2.3.3 Summary of the Understanding of IIDTRC ....................................................... 34 2.4 Perpetration of Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes .............................................. 34 2.4.1 Enabling Elements for Perpetrating of IIDTRC ................................................ 35 2.4.2 Mechanisms for Perpetration of Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes ........... 36 2.4.3 Targeted Assets by the Internal Identity Theft Related Crimes Perpetrators ..... 39 2.4.4 IIDTRC Perpetrators: Who are they and where are they? ................................. 41 2.4.5
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Identity Theft Literature Review
    The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and prepared the following final report: Document Title: Identity Theft Literature Review Author(s): Graeme R. Newman, Megan M. McNally Document No.: 210459 Date Received: July 2005 Award Number: 2005-TO-008 This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federally- funded grant final report available electronically in addition to traditional paper copies. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. IDENTITY THEFT LITERATURE REVIEW Prepared for presentation and discussion at the National Institute of Justice Focus Group Meeting to develop a research agenda to identify the most effective avenues of research that will impact on prevention, harm reduction and enforcement January 27-28, 2005 Graeme R. Newman School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany Megan M. McNally School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Newark This project was supported by Contract #2005-TO-008 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A National Strategy to Combat Identity Theft Describes the Needs Associated with Each Component, Recommends Action, and Describes Common Practices
    U.S. Department of Justice 10000100020300409020Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 01090090109000100020 A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO 30000111101001010100COMBAT IDENTIT Y THEFT 10101010101000101010 10100010101010100101 01001010100100101010 01001001010100100100 101010111101 01001101 01001010100101110000 01000101101010001010 COPS COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES 10100010101001010101U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE This project was supported by cooperative agreement #2003CKWX0343 by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions contained herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Justice. References to specific companies, products, or services should not be considered an endorsement of the product by the author(s) or the U.S. Department of Justice. Rather, the references are illustrations to supplement discussion of the issues. www.cops.usdoj.gov ISBN: 1-932582-64-9 May 2006 10000100020300409020 01090090109000100020 30000111101001010100 A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO 101010101010001010COMBAT IDENTIT Y THEFT 10 10100010101010100101 01001010100100101010 01001001010100100100 101010111101 01001101 01001010100101110000 01000101101010001010 10100010101001010101 10000100020300409020Foreword 01090090109000100020 The crime of identity theft is relatively new to American law enforcement and is rapidly increasing in frequency. In 2003, Chief Darrel Stephens, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Police Department, surveyed members of the
    [Show full text]
  • Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
    Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number SSA.gov Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit. You may not find out that someone is using your number until you’re turned down for credit, or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought. Someone illegally using your Social Security number and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. Your number is confidential The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential. We don’t give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law. You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you’re asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it’ll be used, and what will happen if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give out your Social Security number. 1 How might someone steal your number? Identity thieves get your personal information by: • Stealing wallets, purses, and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information). • Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site online, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home.
    [Show full text]
  • The President's Identity Theft Task Force
    The President’s Identity Theft Task Force Combating IDENTITY THEFT A Strategic Plan April 2007 COMBATING IDENTITY THEFT A Strategic Plan Table of Contents Glossary of Acronyms .................................................................v Identity Theft Task Force Members ............................................... vii Letter to the President .............................................................. viii I. Executive Summary .............................................................. 1 A. Introduction .................................................................................. 1 B. The Strategy .................................................................................. 2 II. The Contours of the Identity Theft Problem ............................. 10 A. Prevalence and Costs of Identity Theft ......................................... 11 B. Identity Thieves: Who They Are .................................................. 12 C. How Identity Theft Happens: The Tools of the Trade ................... 13 D. What Identity Thieves Do With the Information They Steal: The Different Forms of Identity Theft ........................ 18 III. A Strategy to Combat Identity Theft ....................................... 22 A. Prevention: Keeping Consumer Data out of the Hands of Criminals ..................................................................... 22 1. Decreasing the Unnecessary Use of Social Security Numbers ........................................................ 23 2. Data Security in the Public Sector .........................................
    [Show full text]
  • IDENTITY MONITORING Gain Greater Peace of Mind Identity Theft Monitoring Products Are Subject to Exclusions and Limitations
    Enrolling is easy EVERY TWO SECONDS, 1 Visit Thrivent.com/idprotection. SOMEONE’S IDENTITY IS 2 Choose from two programs: STOLEN IN THE U.S.1 • ProtectMyID Select. • ProtectMyID (more comprehensive). If you’re among the millions of American adults who have had their identities 3 You will be directed to Experian’s website stolen, you know what a headache— to complete the order process. and financial loss—it can be. Consider: 4 When the process is complete, you’ll receive a link to the Protection Center. • There were 16.7 million cases of You can view your Experian credit report identity fraud in 2017 resulting in and set up various features. $16.8 billion stolen.2 • 2017 marked the first year Social Security numbers eclipsed credit card numbers as the most breached piece of personal information.2 IDENTITY MONITORING Gain greater peace of mind Identity theft monitoring products are subject to exclusions and limitations. You must be age 18 or older to participate. Thrivent Yours as a member benefit could change or discontinue the Identity Protection benefit, or any part of it, at any time. Thrivent receives payment from ConsumerInfo.com Inc., an Experian® company, based on the purchases of ProtectMyID® by Thrivent members. Thrivent uses the compensation from ConsumerInfo.com Inc. for member purchases of ProtectMyID to help cover the costs associated with providing discounted identity monitoring products to members. 1Source: “2014 Identity Fraud Study,” Javelin Strategy & Research, February 2014. 2 2018 Identity Fraud Study, Javelin Strategy & Research, February 2018. 27143 R3-19 Choose from these two identity monitoring plans: Protect your identity today! ProtectMyID Select ProtectMyID Now there’s a way to detect identity theft early.
    [Show full text]
  • The Changing Face of Identity Theft
    The Changing Face of Identity Theft Identity theft is rampant resulting in millions of dollars of damage each year in the United States. Over the last few years, the face of identity theft has changed. Unfortunately, consumers do not realize this change primarily due to the advertising of credit bureaus, some ID theft service companies and lack of news. ID thieves are the one group that understands the changing faces of identity theft. Yet, what can a person do to prevent ID theft when it is misunderstood and changing? To understand the problem, you must first realize why thieves want your identity. The answer is simple; they want your credit (money), they want to hide their identity, they want certain services, or they desire employment. Several years ago, the prevalent type of identity theft was “true name” identity theft. This is when a real person’s identifying information is used without modification. The thief actually poses as the victim. According to a study by ID Analytics, this accounts for a small portion of all identity fraud; 10 – 15 percent. In these cases, continuous credit monitoring, fraud alerts and credit freezes play a role in keeping the consumer aware of their credit file status. However as with any theft, once the thief realizes you have caught onto them, they change, modify their actions and come after you wearing a different face. A face harder to detect which credit monitoring, fraud alerts and credit freezes do not readily provide you with protection. These include non-credit theft such as, medical identity theft, criminal identity theft and the fastest growing and hardest to detect synthetic identity theft.
    [Show full text]
  • ID Theft Affidavit
    Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................. 1 How Identity Theft Occurs ............................................................3 Minimize Your Risk ......................................................................5 What You Can Do Today ......................................................... 5 Maintaining Vigilance ..............................................................5 The Doors and Windows Are Locked, but . ............................ 7 Choosing to Share Personal Information – or Not ..........................9 Credit Bureaus.........................................................................9 Department of Motor Vehicles ................................................ 10 Direct Marketers .................................................................... 10 If You’re a Victim ....................................................................... 11 Your First Four Steps .............................................................. 11 Credit Accounts ..................................................................... 12 ATM Cards ............................................................................ 12 Checks .................................................................................. 12 Chart Your Course of Action....................................................... 14 Resolving Credit Problems .......................................................... 15 Credit Reports ......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
    Protecting yourself from identity theft and identity fraud © 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. What we’ll talk about today • How your identity can be compromised. • Ways to protect your information. • What you can do if you experience identity theft or fraud. 2 Identity theft and fraud defined Identity theft Identity fraud When someone steals your identity or personal When that person uses your stolen identity to information for illicit purposes. commit fraud or illegally deceive someone. 3 Signs of identity theft or fraud 4 Personal information to protect • Social Security number • Driver’s license • Passport number • ATM/credit/debit cards • Date of birth • Address • Phone numbers • Account numbers • Passwords/PINs Source: The Costs and Risks of Account Takeover, Security Boulevard, June 20, 2019, https://securityboulevard.com/2019/06/the-costs-and-risks-of-account-takeover/ 5 Ways in which your information may be stolen • Email (phishing and pharming) • Text (smishing) • Mail theft • Credit card fraud • Social networks • Malware • Data breaches • Formjacking • Phone scams • Dumpster diving Source: Child Identity Theft on the Rise, October 30, 2018, https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/child-identity-theft-on-the-rise.php 6 What’s wrong with this email? 7 What’s wrong with this email? 1 1. Strange/ unfamiliar links 2. Misspelled company name 3. Awkward greeting 4. Typos 2 3 5. Poor/awkward grammar 4 6. Urgent call to action 5 6 4 4 8 Ways that may help keep your mail safe • Have your name and address removed from the phone book (“unlisted”).
    [Show full text]
  • Oecd Policy Guidance on Online Identity Theft
    2 –OECD POLICY GUIDANCE ON ONLINE IDENTITY THEFT OECD Policy Guidance on Online Identity Theft I. Introduction Identity theft (“ID theft”) is a longstanding problem which, as the Internet and E- commerce have developed, has expanded to include online forms. While the scope of online ID theft appears to be limited in most countries, its implications are significant as the growing risk of such theft can undermine consumer confidence in using the Internet for E-commerce. Governments have acted to fight against such fraud (both online and offline) at the domestic and international levels. The 1999 OECD Guidelines for Consumer Protection in the Context of Electronic Commerce (“the 1999 Guidelines”) and the 2003 OECD Guidelines for Protecting Consumers from Fraudulent and Deceptive Commercial Practices Across Borders (“the 2003 Guidelines”), for example, set out principles aimed at strengthening member countries’ frameworks to fight offline and online fraud. Outside the OECD, international instruments such as the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention and the United Nations’ Convention against Transnational Organised Crime have been developed to address the issue (see Appendix H.1). The principles in the 1999 and 2003 Guidelines serve as a solid basis for establishing a framework to fight online ID theft and other fraud. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the principles presented in these instruments could be elaborated to strengthen and develop effective member country strategies to combat online ID theft. It explores, in particular, how education and awareness of stakeholders could be enhanced to prevent such theft. The guidance draws largely on the research and analysis contained in a Scoping Paper on Online Identity Theft that was considered by the Committee on Consumer Policy in 2007 (OECD, 2008).
    [Show full text]
  • Cyber Stalking
    Cyberstalking Although there is no universally accepted definition of cyberstalking, the term can be used to refer to the use of the Internet, email, or other electronic communications devices to stalk another person. Stalking generally involves harassing or threatening behavior that an individual engages in repeatedly, such as following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, making harassing telephone calls, leaving written messages or objects, or vandalizing a person’s property. Most stalking laws require that the perpetrator make a credible threat of violence against the victim; other’s include threats against the victim’s immediate family’ and still others require only that the alleged stalker’s course of conduct constitute an implied threat. Cyberstalking Facts · Cyberstalkers feel they are anonymous and can get away with anything · When caught, most cyberstalkers say they didn’t mean to do it, or for it to go so far · Most instances are not related to romances gone sour; a majority of the cases are stranger-to-stranger · Over 20,000 cases of cyberstalking are being reported each year · Over 90% of victims are women · It is estimated there may be as many as 500,000 online victims each year Examples of Cyberstalking · Threatening or harassing email · “Flaming” - online verbal abuse · Mass unsolicited email · Identity Theft · Leaving improper messages at guestbook’s or newsgroups from the victim · Initiating directed computer viruses · Email forgery - sending false or damaging email from the victim - usually to people they know like co-workers, employees, neighbors, etc. Cyberstalking is expected to increase as computers and the Internet become more popular.
    [Show full text]
  • Sqsssqqsppsqsqsrrqspqqsrqsrqp
    Return Mail Processing PO Box 589 Claysburg, PA 16625-0589 June 8, 2021 G5175-L0B-0000002 T00001 P001 *****AUTO**MIXED AADC 159 ALGPBPEJHMHLBOFOBK SAMPLE A. SAMPLE - L0B GENERAL AMJIGMHDNPJKFGLMLK AIFKNDCJLKHDJELHOK AFFOFPNJNDOCLKCONK APT ABC DDLLLLDLDLDLLLDLDL 123 ANY ST ANYTOWN, ST 12345-6789 sqsssqqsppsqsqsrrqspqqsrqsrqpspqqqrssqrrqrsssrqqsprqpqqpspssrrrqr Re: Notice of Security Incident Dear Sample A. Sample: We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to let you know about a security incident at Transplace that involved the personal information we have on file for you. We are not aware of any actual or attempted misuse of your personal information as a result of this incident. However, we want to make sure that you are aware of what happened so that you can take the appropriate precautions you feel are needed to protect your identity. We have enclosed information on several identity protection resources. What Happened? We learned on March 7, 2021 that personnel records were downloaded from our network without authorization. We have been working with law enforcement and outside experts to investigate how this happened. We are unable to confirm with available forensic evidence whether the files containing your information were actually viewed by anyone outside of our organization. Searches by our experts did not locate any of these files online, and we have no other indication that your information has been misused. What Information Was Available? Personnel records that included your name and social security number. What We Are Doing We are committed to protecting the information we maintain here at Transplace. We’ve installed additional security monitoring tools, implemented new processes, and will continue to focus on improving the cyber- resiliency and security posture of our company.
    [Show full text]
  • COURT ADMINISTRATOR's OFFICE 15Th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CHESTER COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER 201 WEST MARKET STREET SUITE 4100 P.O. BOX 2
    Vicky K. Bartholomew COURT ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Minor Judiciary Administrator 15th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Jennifer S. Neff CHESTER COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER Civil Court Administrator 201 WEST MARKET STREET Jordan C. Ludwick, Esq. SUITE 4100 Criminal Court Administrator P.O. BOX 2746 Suzie Marker PATRICIA L. NORWOOD-FODEN WEST CHESTER, PA 19380-0989 Family Court Administrator Court Administrator 610-344-6170 FAX: 610-344-6127 Kimberly Bainbridge ELIZABETH A. DUMOND Orphans’ Court Administrator Chief Deputy Court Administrator September 23, 2021 The trial list for the two-week criminal session commencing Monday, October 18, 2021 for The Honorable Jeffrey R. Sommer, is now available in the Court Administrator’s Office. THE CALL OF THE LIST SHALL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021, AT 8:45 A.M., IN COURTROOM NO. 8, before THE HONORABLE JEFFREY R. SOMMER. All counsel and unrepresented defendants are required to appear at the call of the list. Attention Defendant: If you have an attorney, contact him/her immediately. If you do not have an attorney, it would be to your benefit to contact one immediately. If you cannot afford a private attorney, you may apply for representation by the Public Defender’s Office (610-344-6940). Failure to appear on your trial date shall constitute a violation of your bail. If you are on bail for this case, you must call the Bail Agency (610-344-6886) upon receipt of this notice. Attention Counsel: Judge Sommer will hear guilty pleas, in Courtroom No. 8, after the call of the list on October 13th, and at 9:00 a.m.
    [Show full text]