Student Research Spotlight: How a Cybersecurity Student is Uncovering Ransomware Trends

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software created by cybercriminals. Once it infects a computer, it encrypts the user’s files or locks access to the system.  The attackers then demand a ransom from the user to restore access to the data. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common worldwide.

Using data from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the U.S. Census Bureau, American Hospital Directory and other national sources, Mumma and Dr. Onat conducted statistical analyses to identify correlations between these factors and reported ransomware incidents.

Real-World Applications

Their findings revealed that states with higher median household income and greater internet access experience significantly more ransomware attacks, while the number of hospitals and household computer access showed no significant relationship.

“This suggests cybercriminals are more concerned with overall income and digital connectivity than physical infrastructure,” Mumma said.

These insights have real-world applications. By identifying which areas are most at risk, policy makers, organizations and cybersecurity professionals can better prioritize awareness campaigns, employee training, and security investments to reduce ransomware threats.

“Policy makers can see from this research where threat actors target ransomware, and why,” Mumma said.

The Value of Student Research

Graduate student research in cybersecurity can be incredibly helpful, Mumma believes.

“It’s very important to have the opportunity to do research with professors. The main reason is that you can use the skills you have built throughout your education on real-world analysis problems, sharpening them even further,” he said.

“Additionally, this has helped me as a grad student. I’m currently taking an analysis class, and I already have a great grasp on the labs we’re doing because of my research experience. Also, I can use my research in the future when applying to jobs, which can set me apart from other candidates.”

What Makes Scranton Stand Out?

For Mumma, The University of Scranton’s cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity program offers a rare blend of technical expertise and criminological insight.

“Scranton’s program stands out because it teaches not only technical skills to defend against cyberattacks, but also computer crime law and cybercrime criminology….This gives students a lot more experience with different roles they can eventually apply for.”

Interested in following Mumma’s path? Learn more about The University of Scranton’s M.S. in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity— where students explore the technical, legal and analytical aspects of fighting digital crime.