STUDENTS PERCEPTION ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CYBERCRIME ON NIGERIAN SOCIETY.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The world nowadays is full with technology and the internet that take our humanity to a contemporary civilization and progress on a regular basis in the new era of globalization. Nowadays, almost every profession and task necessitates the use of technology, particularly the internet, whether it be a file system, e-mail, vital data recording, or even a conference. Aside from that, people's social lives are also dependent on the internet because it is seen as a daily tool that they must have Hasan, (2019); Ilham (2016). A lack of awareness in cyber security allows an unauthorized individual to get into our network, potentially leading to identity theft (Arpana, & Chauhan, 2012). That is not the only thing that may happen with inadequate security; the hacker might also send a virus to destroy the firewall and destroy our vital work. These incidents can be trivial, but they can also be catastrophic if the hacker is able to exploit our name or employment to get the ransom and harm our family and these actions can be called cyber crimes. Hasan, A. S. (2019) observed that crime is still prevalent and will always try to hide in the face of progress. As methods and procedures for identifying crimes and criminals improve, crooks seek ways to avoid detection. Crimes are often perpetrated by a perpetrator and may result in bodily harm or financial damage to a victim. With the advent of technology nowadays, educated persons or white-collar professionals may easily commit crimes by leveraging the complexity of information technology.

The topic of cybercrime is concerning, which is why many concerned writers have written extensively about it, describing cybercrime as a widespread phenomenon that lurks in the shadows of any nation's growth. In a same manner, cybercrime has established itself in Nigeria today. It has eaten deep into society, like to a cankerworm.

In order to understand cybercrime, it is necessary to first comprehend the difference between the terms cyber and crime. The term "cyber" refers to a notion expressed as a component of the computer and information era, and crime may be described as any conduct that violates legal procedure, usually carried out by persons with a criminal motivation (Bonk, C. J. et al. 2015).

 Cybercrime can be classified into two types. Crimes that directly harm computer networks and equipment. Malicious code, computing viruses, malware, and so on are examples, as can crimes enabled by computer networks or devices, the primary objective of which is independent of the computer networks or equipment. Advance fee fraud, such as Yahoo, money theft through ATMs, and SMS seeking bank details as BVN are a few examples. Because of their active participation in and use of computer and internet technology, students have become prime targets for these criminals. As a result, it is critical to guarantee that consumers are adequately educated and protected against cybercrime, especially in a nation like Malaysia, where Internet usage is quickly increasing. According to Hasan (2019), college students in the United States were concerned about cybercrime, which included online scams, cyberbullying, digital piracy, and computer infections. According to Bonk, C. J. et al. (2015), students in most institutions have complained of the negative effects cybercriminality has caused to them and their institutions. Some of these negative effects are: exploitation of children and cyber bullying, economic melt down, victims experience causing PTSD, defamation of nations etc. To most students, the mention of cyber crime makes them think of the afore mentioned effects.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nowadays, the number of cybercriminals, is growing not just globally but also domestically. This increase is not just about the quantity of crimes, but also about their skills in information technology (IT). According to Arpana, & Chauhan,. (2012), criminals employ a variety of cyber mediums to assault their victims, including social media platforms like Facebook. For example, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the popular social network Facebook, was once just an ordinary IT student who discovered that hacking is nothing more than a word for "easy."

Cases of cybercrime are being committed by Nigerian students, with each new case being more shocking than the last. It has become a tenacious mouth sore that causes us a lot of agony and shame because criminally minded students in Universities are stealing and committing all sorts of academic and economic atrocities with the use of online communication and transactions on the internet.

In most cases, various types of crimes are witnessed, such as exam negligence, admission falsification, rape, robbery and stealing, sexual molestation, onslaught, and cultism, among others. More and more students are becoming cybercriminals even with the campaign against cyber criminality. What more can be done?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to examine students perception on the negative impact of Cybercrime on Nigerian society. Other aims of this study are:

i.          To examine the types of cyber crimes in the Nigerian society

ii.        To examine the negative effects of cyber crimes on Nigerian society

iii.      To examine the level of awareness of students about cyber crime

iv.      To determine the reasons why cybercrime is mostly rampant among Nigerian youths.

v.        To discuss the possible solutions of cyber crimes affecting the Nigerian society

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.          What are the types of cyber crimes in the Nigerian society?

ii.        To examine the negative effects of cyber crimes on Nigerian society?

iii.      What is the level of awareness of students about cyber crime?

iv.      What are the reasons why cybercrime is mostly rampant among Nigerian youths?

v.        What are the possible solutions of cyber crimes affecting the Nigerian society?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study, which is primarily aimed at examining students perception on the negative impact of Cybercrime on Nigerian society., will provide an insight into the problems associated with cybercrime. This study will also be of great importance to the Nigerian society as it will help them know the effects of being involved in cyber crimes. It will also be beneficial to the government as it will help them put effective policies in place to curb this menace.

Finally, this study will be beneficial to scholars as it will serve as existing material for further research and future reference.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will effectively cover students perception on the negative impact of Cybercrime on Nigerian society. It will also focus on the types of cyber crimes and the reasons students engage in it. Students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka will serve as enrolled participants for this study. It will proffer possible solutions to the causes in the rise of cyber criminality.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to students perception on the negative impact of Cybercrime on Nigerian society. This study will be limited to students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Perception: understanding or knowledge about something.

Impact: marked effect or influence

Cybercrime:  criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet.

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