Key Concepts
Punishment designed to discourage crime
What is deterrence
Both theories assume individuals have this when committing crime
What is free will
This theorist’s idea of “pleasure vs. pain” explains why cybercriminals commit phishing scams when they believe they won’t get caught online.
Who is Cesare Beccaria?
Weighing risks vs rewards before acting
What is cost-benefit analysis
Beccaria focuses on punishment, while Rational Choice focuses on this
What is decision-making or opportunity
These two criminologists explain why a hacker might carefully choose targets, platforms, and timing when launching a phishing or ransomware attack.
Who are Clarke and Cornish?
The idea that crime happens when rewards outweigh risks
What is rational decision-making
Both theories aim to reduce crime through this general idea
What is deterrence
This concept from Clarke suggests adding tools like two-factor authentication and spam filters to make digital crimes harder and less rewarding.
What is situational crime prevention?