PATTERN AND CONSEQUENCES OF CYBER-CRIME IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ZARIA

PATTERN AND CONSEQUENCES OF CYBER-CRIME IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ZARIA

Abstract:

This research work was conceived to find out the pattern of cyber-crime in tertiary institutions in Zaria, identify the types of cyber-crime common in the study area, explore the social attributes of those involved in cyber-crime in the study area, identify the motivating factor and causes of cyber-crime, find out the consequences of the emerging trends and finally suggest solutions to mitigate against the menace. The study adopted the differential association theory which was developed by Edwin Sutherland to explain the reason for individual’s involvement in cyber-crime and how they learnt the techniques to perpetrate the act through interaction with others. The study was conducted in three selected tertiary institutions in Zaria namely; Ahmadu Bello University, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic and Federal College of Education. Data was obtained through quantitative method (questionnaires) and qualitative method (In-depth interview). The research also used both probability and non probability sampling method in the selection of respondents. Four hundred questionnaires were administered to students of the three selected tertiary institutions using the simple random sampling method. In addition, 10 key informants were purposively selected for the in-depth interview in order to gain substantial facts on the subject. Snowball sampling method was also used to identify the cyber-criminals who participated in the research. The key informants used for the study are lecturers of computer science department, operators of cyber-café and cyber-criminals. Data collected through quantitative instrument was subjected to simple statistical analysis and interpretation and analyzed with the aid of a computer using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 17.0). While data collected through the qualitative instrument was transcribed from field notes and tapes. The data collected were presented using tables and bar charts. – 12 – The study revealed that youths who are mostly male are the major perpetrator of cyber-crime and the crime can be committed at any time of the day. The research was able to unveil additional techniques such as SQL injection and mathematical model which are used for piracy and credit card fraud respectively by cyber-criminals. Nevertheless, the study found that unemployment, poverty, absence of law and corruption are the major causes of cyber-crime in the study area. Despite the negative consequences of cyber-crime on the study area, it was discovered that it had positive effect for the perpetrators as they were able to use the money realized to solve their need. On the basis of these findings, it was recommended that the Federal Government should empower the youths in terms of job creation and regularly engage the IT industries to develop strategies to curtail cyber-crime. The study also recommends that everybody should report to law enforcement agencies any one suspected to be involved in cyber-crime.

PATTERN AND CONSEQUENCES OF CYBER-CRIME IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ZARIA