Introduction
“Cybercrime,” or, in other words, “computer crime,” implies premeditated offenses, atrocities, and illegal actions in the field of computer information. It is a common name for all types of criminal activity committed using computers or the Internet. Cybercrime can be committed using various methods and tools, such as phishing, viruses, spyware, ransomware, and social engineering – most often to steal personal data or financial resources. Moreover, this type of “violation of the rules of society” is equated with terrorism and attacks by various illegal structures and groups. Cybercriminals use the Internet’s interconnection, secrecy, and anonymity, breaking the very foundation of the modern information society. Computer infections, botnets, cyberbullying, cyber pornography, cyber terrorism, identity theft, and cyberstalking are all examples of cybercrime. Today, similar incidents occur in almost all government and public sectors and the daily lives of individuals. Such moments violate stability and the usual way of life. As a result, cybersecurity issues are reaching a new level every year for diplomatic agencies and particular states’ leaders.
Problem Statement
When individuals discuss cybercrime nowadays, they fail to recognize the magnitude of these crimes, and numerous queries arise when the term “cyber-crime” is mentioned. Crimes in cyberspace quickly became a severe global problem due to the sharp increase in the number of users of computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. In addition, there are also no boundaries for this phenomenon, which makes it much more difficult to detect and punish cybercriminals. For example, cybercrimes directed against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer data and systems pose the greatest danger to several regions, states, and countries. In turn, it is already unauthorized access, illegal interception, and unlawful intentional damage, deletion, deterioration, modification, or blocking of computer data or systems. Moreover, cybercrime attacks are at the heart of today’s technical ecosystems, constrained by the rapid flow of computer information facilitated by the web. While the victim of cybercrime is usually able to replace stolen bank information and money, the incident typically leaves the person saddened and profoundly distrustful of the internet and other modern conveniences.
Purposes
The primary purposes of this research are to examine the effects of cybercrime on the public administration of industrialized and developing countries, as well as investigate the consequences of these processes (Kagita et al., 2020). The study also will make a concerted effort to address the research topics. Thus, the purpose set is aimed at a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the global problem. This approach allows one to look at the situation from different angles and sides, evaluate it from entirely different points of view and opinions.
Objectives
The objectives of this study are to find out the impact of cybercrime on public administration. In addition, it is necessary to find out the answers on the issues about how cybercrime is committed and what are the motives and goals of “villains.” Therefore, for these processes, federal and state rules and practices of cybercrime should be studied. In addition, an essential step in this analysis will be the decision to find ways and strategies to reduce and eradicate cybercrime.
Rationale for the Study
Cybercrime takes a variety of forms, most often offenses related to personal data. They can be committed with the help of “phishing” (deceiving Internet users to force them to report their personal data), malware (software installed without the user’s knowledge and collecting individual information), and hacking (illegal remote access to someone else’s device). As a rule, such methods are used by fraudsters to steal credit card data and funds. In addition, crimes related to copyright infringement and intellectual property rights and the distribution of materials with child pornography and violent scenes are increasingly committed via the Internet. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of cybercrime on the society and economy of industrialized and developing countries (Shava et al., 2017). Additionally, this study aims to assist individuals, corporations, and governments in recognizing the ethical and legal implications of cyber security and cybercrime and synchronizing legal systems. By getting rid of viruses, spyware, and ransomware using modern and effective methods, a person will not only protect the computer from malicious elements but will stop cybercriminals from trying to get money illegally.
Theoretical Framework
Today, almost every person in the world uses at least one of the novelties in the world of digital devices. It has long been known that modern gadgets have become a person’s friend, acting as an assistant and adviser at the same time. Consequently, it is not easy to imagine offices or institutions without technologies that greatly simplify and improve work. In addition, the Internet and several devices, such as computers, smartphones, and pads, play an integral role in public administration (Coppolino et al., 2018). Innovative technologies allow employees to perform their work faster, better, and more efficiently. However, even such “faithful assistants” have their vulnerabilities and elements sensitive to certain phenomena.
Hence, “investigating” cybercrime allows people to establish the elements of offenses in the “virtual space.” Moreover, studying cyber security helps identify the aspect of criminality and the criminals’ aim. In brief, understanding what cybercrime is, what types of cybercrime exist, and how to protect oneself from them will help users of devices and the Internet feel more confident. In particular, access to knowledge is essential since a specialist must identify possible violations and collect and track evidence. A well-planned and properly conducted internal investigation will identify the problem, determine how it occurred, and take what approach. Unlike some areas of activity, cybercrime is developing rapidly, especially during the pandemic. Accordingly, this creates a need for legal and technical competence for many people.
Chapter summary
The first chapter has presented the background of the research, significance, objectives, and rationale. This section provides prior knowledge and ideas about the structure and content of the project itself, its importance, significance, and value in the modern world, and the rationale for the problems of the analysis itself. The second chapter reviews the literature, information sources, and necessary data. A brief summary of the references to be worked on is presented in this case. The third chapter presents the methodology and system of principles and approaches of organizing scientific activities. Finally, the four chapter presents findings, discussions, conclusions, and recommendations. This section provides the main, final summary of the research processes, the results obtained, and the work done.
Literature Review
Today, there are many effective ways, methods, tactics, and strategies for maintaining and ensuring security in the information space. For example, the experts in the field of data protection and security note that education is the most effective way to prevent cybercrimes and attacks (Jan et al., 2021). Thus, understanding the situation’s essence and “content” allows one to analyze problems and issues deeply. Such scrupulous, thorough research helps people take special measures and actions to ensure the safety, protection, and security of personal “belonging” in electronic format.
Moreover, the widespread usage of several devices and other internet-enabled gadgets increases the danger of cybercrime for organizations, institutions, and individuals. Undoubtedly, these phenomena may be part of the work processes. However, managers and employees should understand that negligence and irresponsibility regarding data security can lead to risks and losses in these cases. Hence, information systems become more vulnerable, and it will not be difficult for a criminal to hack them with the help of specially designed programs and fraudulent actions. For example, the limited use of the Internet and the constant change of passwords to Wi-Fi will in some way reduce the cases of cyber threats and crime on the network.
Like any other crime, cybercrime is the fruit of the work of one or more attackers, in this case with extensive knowledge of the Internet and digital technologies used to achieve selfish goals. Thus, it is necessary to take particular actions right now to eradicate the existing problems. Strategic cybercrime prevention focused on strategies to avoid cybercrime involving children and adolescents (Kagita et al., 2020). Education is crucial in raising public awareness of illegal internet content and criminality. Protecting against cybercrime can take quite a long time, but it is always worth it. Compliance with such rules for safe work on the Internet, refraining from downloading from unknown sources, and visiting sites with low reputation is common sense in the framework of preventing cybercrime. A careful and attentive attitude to accounting and personal data can also significantly contribute to protection from intruders. In order to cope with cybercrime, it is necessary to create and implement protective strategies. In fact, anti-malware software and risk management strategies are important at all levels. The most effective protection method is still the use of a modern and high-quality antivirus solution.
In addition to appropriate protection strategies, the successful fight against cybercrime requires joint efforts. There should be constant explanatory work, similar to the one conducted about the need to wash your hands after the street. There must be rules that must be followed on the Internet. The same points should support the actions of law enforcement agencies. As in the case of handwashing, long and persistent educational work is required for users to realize the need for such measures.
Research Methodology
The method of research that will be utilized in this study is the qualitative research approach. Even though the information obtained is expressed, by and large, not in numbers, but in words, this method allows one to get in-depth, detailed information about the research subject. This is richer and more information-rich knowledge that subtly describes the phenomena being studied instead of quantitative values. The research sampling approach utilized in this research study is random sampling. This is because a random sample is among the most straightforward data collection method of the entire population.
Participants
Undoubtedly, for high-quality and effective study,, it is necessary to accomplish a number of research goals and objectives. For instance, three hundred participants will be randomly chosen from each section of the target population. The specific subgroups in this research paper are individuals and people representing their respective organizations and agencies.
Sample Size and Potential Attrition
The selected sample size is appropriate and sufficient because it represents the entire population. The participation will be voluntary, and therefore no subject will be coerced to participate in the research project without their consent.
Outcome Measures
Typically, all the 300 participants will be required to fill out questionnaire forms that contain a range of questions. Although face validity is often present, it is neither sufficient nor essential. Typically, questions to which participants are restrained to give accurate answers are of particular concern.
Validity
The questions to which participants are required to provide accurate responses are typically the ones that cause the most worry. This is because such questions provide the basis in which the response is to be provided. Therefore, the questions should be valid and up-to-date so as to provide the required information.
Reliability
Typically, regarding measuring the outcome, reliability is depicted by determining whether the data collection approaches provide consistent results or not. Cybercrime and cyber terrorism are not new ideas though the perpetrators’ intent varies across the dimension (Jan et al, 2021).
Research Design: Exploratory Research Design
To acquire insights into the significance and impact of cybercrime on society, this project will use an experimental research approach to gather data.
Data Collection
Semi-structured interview questions will aid this study for data collection purposes. The research will rely entirely on the responses of the interviews, and their answers will form the basis of the required data to aid in making the inference.
Chapter: Results
Web-users and governments confront a more significant threat of cyber in a digital world, where the internet has become the norm. In addition to developing and improving their skills, cyber thieves focus away from financial crime and government.
- Cyber thieves focus away from financial crime and government.
- Improved technology has facilitated the development of more efficient communication networks.
As a result of advancements in technology, the construction of more effective communication networks has been made possible, allowing for faster and more efficient information transmission across countries.
- Spamming is sending several copies of the same message to numerous recipients through the internet.
- The term “junk mail” refers to the unsolicited mail that has been sent with a fictitious return address.
Spamming is the practice of sending multiple copies of the same message to a large number of recipients through the internet. Thousands of emails are sent in the hopes that a small percentage will be opened and that a larger proportion would provoke a response from the recipient. It is the phrase used to describe unwanted mail that has been sent with a false return address, which is known as “junk mail.”
Effect of Increasing Cybercrime on Public Administration
The worldwide cybercrime landscape has radically altered over several years, with criminals utilizing more advanced tech and a higher understanding of the cyber defense. Cybercrime has reached unprecedented, greatly facilitated by universal digitalization and ubiquitous Internet connection using laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It is rightfully considered one of the most profitable areas of criminal business in general. It used to be that malware, spam emails, and hacking into business websites were the work of computer experts who wanted to show off their skills. These assaults were rarely nasty in the past, but now they have grown into cybercrime cartels that are leeching off money via unlawful cyber channels. However, cybercrime motivated by political reasons has already spread across the globe (Coppolino et al., 2018). Thus, modern cybercrime is developing similarly to any other business. Profitability, risk management, and the development of new markets are also essential components of this business.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
In conclusion, cybercrime is illegal actions carried out by people using information and telecommunication technologies, computers, and computer networks for criminal purposes. Hacking, the term for gaining unauthorized access to a computer system without authorization, can take many forms, and not all of them require a high level of technical expertise. Using a computer or a terminal to break into various computer systems is part of the process (Jan et al., 2021). The efficiency of passwords is considerably diminished when users do not select them carefully because cybercriminals utilize snifters or guess them. Spamming is sending several copies of the same message to numerous recipients through the Internet. Moreover, it has adverse effects on public administration, the economy, and society. Several previously peer-reviewed research journals have been incorporated in the paper to understand this social vice further. The research study participants are formerly incarcerated people who committed cybercrime, individuals, and parties representing companies that were victims of cybercrime.
Recommendations
Primarily, to combat the crimes, numerous information security systems and services should be created. As a rule, they include antivirus programs, with the maintenance and constant updating of databases of viruses and signatures of cyber-attacks of various types. In addition, the systems also have tools for detecting and preventing known attacks, with prompt response to new incidents and the creation of software patches to eliminate identified vulnerabilities. In addition, for instance, preventive measures are the most effective way to slow the growth of cybercrime in institutions and organizations. Forensic expertise comes first, followed by legislation that allows victims to seek redress. Legislative bodies can order a body to filter all incoming online traffic before it is accessible by national Internet users and block websites that provide a security risk to those users.
References
Coppolino, L., D’Antonio, S., Mazzeo, G., Romano, L., & Sgaglione, L. (2018, May). How to protect public administration from cybersecurity threats: The compact project. In 2018 32nd International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications Workshops (WAINA) (pp. 573-578). IEEE.
Jan, N., Nasir, A., Alhilal, M. S., Khan, S. U., Pamucar, D., & Alothaim, A. (2021). Investigation of cyber-security and cyber-crimes in oil and gas sectors using the innovative structures of complex intuitionistic fuzzy relations. Entropy, 23(9), p. 1112. Web.
Kagita, M. K., Thilakarathne, N., Gadekallu, T. R., Maddikunta, P. K. R., & Singh, S. (2020). A review on cyber crimes on the internet of things. arXiv preprint arXiv:2009.05708. Web.
Shava, E., & Hofisi, C. (2017). Challenges and opportunities for public administration in the fourth industrial revolution. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(9), pp. 203-215. Web.
Appendix
Hypothesis
The following are the hypotheses that will be used during the research process:
- Cybercrime attacks affect public administration and society significantly.
- There is a growing prevalence and trend of cybercrime in society today.
Dependent and Independent Variables
The independent variable in this research experiment is cybercrime attacks, and the dependent variable is the public administration and society. The cybercrime attacks are the independent variable because the research controls them to ascertain their impacts on the dependent variable, the public administration, and the economy.