Syafila Kamarudin, Qingqing Tang, Verdy Firmantoro, Ika Rizki Yustisia, Abdul Wahid
Purpose – This study aims to synthesize evidence on women’s cybersecurity risks, consolidate risk typologies, assess theoretical engagement, map methodological tendencies and identify multilevel determinants of these risks. Design/methodology/approach – Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this study searched Scopus and Web of Science (2010–2025) and included 34 peer-reviewed studies using calibrated inclusion criteria. Guided by the SPIDER framework, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and conceptual designs were accommodated. Study quality was appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A deductive–inductive thematic synthesis identified risk types and determinants, while theoretical frameworks and methodological features were descriptively charted. Findings – Three major risk domains emerged: interpersonal cyber abuse, data privacy and surveillance vulnerabilities and technology-facilitated coercion and control. Theoretical engagement was limited and fragmented. Methodologically, the field is dominated by quantitative self-report surveys, with fewer mixed-methods or longitudinal designs. Determinants of risk clustered across five mutually reinforcing levels: structural–cultural norms, institutional and organizational governance, sociotechnical affordances, datafication and commercial ecosystems and individual capacities and interactional dynamics. Originality/value – This review highlights that women’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities are embedded in sociotechnical systems rather than isolated incidents. It emphasizes the need for mechanism-driven and intersectional theorization, diversified and longitudinal research designs, updated and validated measures, survivor-centered ethical protocols and governance and design interventions that address upstream structural conditions. © 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia; Department of Communication, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia; Brawijaya University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
