Tackling cybercrime to unleash developing countries’ digital potential

The University of Oxford’s Pathways for Prosperity Commission released a background paper on tackling cybercrime to unleash developing countries’ digital potential. It looks at the cybercrime landscape in developing countries with special focus on hazards to the economic prosperity. The paper outlines the main and new types of cybercrimes and the challenges to overcome them and further highlights the digital vulnerabilities in developing countries. It investigates two approaches towards trust in technology and security measures: ‘digital optimism’ and ‘digital realism’ and the lessons that can be learnt from these approaches for developing countries to build a secure digital future. The paper suggests moving towards a new era of ‘digital pragmatism’ – an approach that can help to build a solid and secure foundation for the digital revolution.