Cybercrime Among Companies ― Research into Cybercrime Victimisation Among Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises and One-man Businesses in the Netherlands

In 2013, a Dutch newspaper reported that 'online theft kills one-man businesses'. The digitisation of society offers businesses opportunities, but also poses risks. However, scientific evidence on the extent to which businesses actually fall victim to cybercrime is scarce. This book contains the findings of a study into cybercrime victimisation among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME's) and One-Man Businesses (OMB's) in the Netherlands that was conducted from 2013 until 2015. Over 1200 SME's and more than 1,600 OMB's were surveyed. The report presents unique figures on the extent and impact of cybercrime amongst businesses. The results indicate that more than a quarter of Dutch businesses are confronted with cybercrime. Victims are self-reliant: they seldom contact law enforcement, but instead take action to prevent and solve cybercrime problems themselves. As a consequence, police lack insight into the nature and extent of cybercrime amongst SME's and OMB's, which hampers the ability of law enforcement to contribute effectively to the fight against cybercrime. This book will appeal to anyone interested in the digitisation of society and its implications for crime and law enforcement.