"Men Trace Sources"... Gender Differences in Hacking Response, What About Women?

KAIST Research Team Applies AI Analysis Methods to Social Media Big Data

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on June 8 that a research team led by Professor Moonjung Choi at the Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy has identified differences in digital hacking victimization experiences and response strategies according to gender.

Although concerns about cybercrime resulting from hacking are growing, existing research has mainly focused on technical aspects. There has been a lack of analysis regarding socio-demographic characteristics.

(This photo is not directly related to the article.) Pixabay

The KAIST research team applied artificial intelligence analysis methods to social media big data to identify behavioral pattern differences between men and women in response to hacking victimization. Based on these findings, the team emphasized the urgent need to develop policies aimed at mitigating hacking damage and to strengthen tailored security response capability programs.

This study analyzed gender differences in hacking victimization from the perspective of the "Third-Level Digital Divide," a concept within the broader "digital divide." The "Third-Level Digital Divide" refers to social inequalities in digital outcomes among users who have similar levels of digital access and usage skills.

By collecting and analyzing approximately 13,000 social media posts from individuals who had experienced hacking, the research team found that women reported more hacking victimization than men in nearly all online service areas except for gaming.

For men, hacking incidents were particularly prominent in game-related services. Women, on the other hand, were found to be more likely to suffer negative consequences such as reputational damage, financial loss, and changes to personalized content as a result of hacking.

Clear gender differences also emerged in response strategies to hacking. Men primarily employed proactive strategies such as tracing the source of the hack or recovering their accounts, whereas women tended to utilize social resources, such as sharing their experiences or seeking help.

From the left, Moonjung Choi, Professor at KAIST, and Eunjin Heo, PhD student. KAIST

Eunjin Heo, a PhD student, stated, "When discussing the digital divide, there is a tendency to focus solely on internet accessibility or mobile device proficiency. However, the significance of this study lies in its focus on the 'Third-Level Digital Divide,' which highlights how, despite similar levels of digital access and capability, the social impacts of digital experiences can differ."

Professor Moonjung Choi said, "These findings can be used to develop customized security education and support that reflect behavioral patterns based on socio-demographic characteristics."

Meanwhile, the number of cyber threat incidents reported to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) increased from 1,277 cases in 2023 to 1,887 cases last year, showing an annual rise.

Industry experts estimate that these figures represent only a fraction of the actual damage, which is believed to be much greater. Most private companies and government ministries are not required to report hacking or other security breaches.

In South Korea, responses to cyberattacks are divided among agencies: the Ministry of Science and ICT handles the private sector, the Ministry of National Defense is responsible for defense-related areas, and the National Intelligence Service oversees the public sector. The National Security Office serves as the cyber security control tower, and a cooperative system is in place where the National Intelligence Service, private sector, and defense authorities collaborate depending on the situation.