Causes, Types and Likely Victims of Cybercrimes in Selected Higher Institutions in South-South, Nigeria.

Abstract

With an optimum rise in the availability and utilization of internet facilities around the world, the internet has become a veritable ground for criminal activities in south-south Nigeria. This study is aimed at ascertaining the causes, types and likely victims of cybercrimes in selected higher institutions of south-south, Nigeria. Survey research design was employed with the use of questionnaires that elicited relevant information from 384 respondents. Purposive and accidental sampling techniques were used in selecting six higher institutions and respondents respectively. The study revealed several causes of cybercrimes amongst which corruption is the most causative factor, followed closely by unemployment, poverty, greed of the victims and societal emphasis on materialism. The study also identified various types of cybercrimes that are peculiar to south-south higher institutions to include scam/spam or fake messages which is the commonest form followed by lotteries fraud, piracy and employment/business opportunity fraud. Pornography and cyber stalking were the least perpetrated cybercrimes. On the likely victims of cybercrimes, the study revealed that the unlucky people were the most likely victims of cybercrimes followed by the desperados, the inexperienced and lastly the naive/gullible. Recommendations made include curbing corruption in order to limit the quest for massive wealth accumulation which have driven youths into cyber criminality. Government should intensify effort in addressing the problem of unemployment and commit highly ICT competent youths into gainful ventures. Managements of higher institutions south-south Nigeria should offer studentship to ICT competent students at all levels.