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Abstract

This dissertation seeks to unpack the nature and scale of smishing in Aotearoa. To achieve this, the research adopts a mixed methods approach where public complaint data provided by Te Tari Taiwhenua is combined with questionnaire responses supplied by local operational and intelligence personnel. These information sources were analysed, along with academic literature and government reporting, to identify trends, patterns, and challenges. This research explores the concepts of heuristic decision-making and routine activity theory to offer insights into the circumstances that enable malicious actors to conduct smishing. The strengths and weaknesses of domestic and international prevention initiatives such as Keep it Real Online and Gone Smishing are discussed through the lens of responsive regulation. Overall, 1,132,194 public smishing complaints between 2021 and 2023 were reviewed, together with the questionnaire responses of 12 participants. Key findings included: postage scams being most prevalent, a noticeable drop in reporting between 1200hrs and 1600hrs, and 83 percent of participants disagreeing that public sector agencies are adequately resourced. This dissertation revealed that some of these findings were driven by the FluBot malware outbreak as well as malicious actors recognising potential vulnerabilities in the routines of recipients. That said, opportunities to reduce harms associated with smishing were considered. For example, implementing a soft target approach, mandating SIM card registration, and developing targeted awareness campaigns. However, the most urgent requirement identified was the needed overhaul of legislative frameworks, as currently public sector agencies are limited in their ability to address smishing.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14565.html