Bibliometric analysis and visualization of global trends in cyber-attacks and defenses

Abstract As cyber threats grow in complexity, understanding the global research landscape of cyber-attacks and defenses has become critical for ensuring digital resilience. Despite rapid technical advancements, a significant research gap exists in the integrated analysis of technical innovations and their socio-economic implications. This study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 11,561 articles indexed in SCIE and SSCI from 1998 to 2023 using CiteSpace. By comparing technical developments in SCIE with socio-economic trends in SSCI, this research provides a holistic map of the field’s evolution. Publication counts, citations, research fields, and journal impact factors were assessed, and co-authorship networks and co-citation patterns were analyzed. Key findings reveal a significant geographic shift, with a notable geographic shift toward emerging research hubs in the Middle East and Asia, alongside increased institutional activity from entities such as the Egyptian Knowledge Bank. Our analysis identifies 2018 as a pivotal year where AI literature emerged due to advancements in deep learning frameworks and datasets. We found that research has matured from reactive "intrusion detection" toward proactive, AI-driven defense mechanisms in SCIE, while SSCI research emphasizes human factors and governance. The results highlight that cybersecurity has evolved into an interdisciplinary challenge where technical breakthroughs are increasingly integrated with legal and organizational frameworks. This study provides a strategic roadmap for future research, emphasizing that staying ahead of threats requires balancing technical precision with ethical and behavioral insights.