Chapter one

Introduction 1.1 background to the study

According to Akano (2013) According to the assertion that cybercrime is a global phenomena that is not unique to Nigeria, combatting the menace can only be accomplished by collaborating with other cyber security organizations and institutions throughout the world. According to McConnell International, cybercrime is defined as any harmful act carried out from or against a computer or network. It is distinct from most terrestrial crimes in four ways: they are simple to learn how to commit, require few resources compared to the potential damages caused, can be carried out in an authority without being physically present in it, and are frequently not clearly illegal. In an interview on April 27, 2004, the director of the Computer Crime Research Center (CCRC) provided yet another definition of cybercrime, saying that it is any illegal activity directed at the security of computer systems and the data they process through the use of electronic operations. Cybercrime is essentially criminal activity carried out in a virtual environment where data about individuals, things, facts, events, phenomena, or processes are represented mathematically, symbolically, or in any other way and transmitted through local and international networks. The illicit drug trade has been surpassed as the primary source of income for organized crime globally by cybercrime. The cybercrime network has developed into a highly structured ecosystem with its own value chain, which includes hackers who compromise account data and sell it to dump sellers, (Lemo, 2013) He claims that the industrialization of cyber fraud presents a significant challenge to Nigeria's cashless society. He claimed that users' concerns about the security of their money on electronic payment platforms are a result of the frequency of fraud around the world. Crime is still ubiquitous and will always try to blend in with development. offenders strive for ways to evade detection methods and techniques that are being developed to catch crimes and offenders

Cybercrime has become more prevalent as a result of the large number of internet users, and it now poses a serious danger to national infrastructure, security, governance, and technology across the globe, particularly in Nigeria. Nigerian Youths have been using the internet for a long time, and their participation in online fraud is concerning. Depending on the context of the vulnerability involved, cybercriminals use computers as either a target or a tool for their illegal actions.. For example, when a ransomware assault is made on a computer, but the victim's data or resources are the major focus. ATD spoofing, identity theft, cyber-stalking, hacking, phishing, e-terrorism, online chat rooms, cyber-espionage, fraudulent electronic mail, etc. are some other ways that are employed. Due to a lack of employment opportunities, poverty, and poor governance, young people in Nigeria are turning to cybercrime as a business opportunity with a track record of success. The intriguing aspect about cybercrime is that it is simple to learn and does not require any kind of official education, making it easy for young people from many backgrounds to become interested in it. In addition, it uses few resources compared to the damage they cause, and finally, it's a crime that may be carried out virtually or with little need for physical presence. Cybercriminals, also known as "yahoo-yahoo," "419 stars," and "yahoo plus," control a sizable portion of social media and the online ecosystem where money, data, and transactions are transacted. They make a living off of their notoriety while living a luxurious lifestyle. To get their victim to comply with their demand, they even go so far as to use online research and spiritual tools (a magic ring, an incision made around the wrist, etc.) to cast a spell on them. It is to this the study centres on Preception of Cybercrime Among Nigerian youths

1.2 Statement Of Problem

Akinsehinde (2011) claimed that the Nigerian economy was in danger due to the rising tide of cybercrime and the vulnerability of over 80% of the country's firms with internet presence. He contended that due to insufficient security measures for protecting the platforms, web portals and web-based applications of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Stock Exchange, banks, pension fund managers, and switching/electronic payment service providers had been found to be susceptible to cyberattacks. Nigeria is also considered to be one of the most corrupt nations in the world. The emergence of fresh waves of crime has tarnished the contribution of the internet to the growth of the country. The most profitable and secure forms of criminality are already flourishing on the internet. From Europe to America, Africa to Asia, cybercrime has emerged as a worldwide issue. Cybercrime is a new and odd problem that is currently present in Nigeria. Nigeria is experiencing an alarming increase in cybercrime instances on a daily basis, with each new instance being more startling than the last. Unfortunately, some Nigerians' impromptu actions in exploiting the internet as a conduit for the commission of illegal spamming activities have also hurt the country's reputation. The main effect of Nigerian society's impending unconscious acceptance of this threat is that young people are far less interested in education. The majority of young people in Nigeria today engage in this type of anti-social behavior in an effort to live opulent lives. Nigeria has recently received criticism for being a corrupt country. The Nigerian government must act quickly and urgently to stop this threat of cybercrime.it is to this the study centers on Perception Of Cybercrime Among Nigerian Youths

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is Perception of Cybercrime among Nigerian youths. Other specific objective of the study include:

1 to examine the  impact of cybercrime among youths in Jos

2 to assess the prevelance of Cybercrime among youths in Jos

3 to examine the perception of cybercrime youths in Jos

4 to outline ways of curbing cybercrime on among youths in Jos

 1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1 What is the impact of cybercrime among youths in Jos?

2 what is the level of prevalence of cybercrime among youths in Jos?

3 what is the perception of cybercrime among youths in Jos?

4 what are the ways of curbing cybercrime on among youths in Jos?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

cybercrime Agencies:  The study It will bring to bear on some means and ways of combating cybercrime and other related online/internet fraud.

Researchers: The study also intends to add to the literature on the perception  of cybercrime among Youths. It also seeks to give estimates on the knowledge on cybercrime and its effects, on the individual and the country at large. Such information will serve as an important measure and provide focus for various intervention and prevention programmes, especially those directed towards young school children. The results of the research could also be used as a decision making tool or input for policy makers

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is delimited to perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths limitation of the study

The researcher was faced with the following constraints in carrying out this study:

Time: The time within the researcher is too short to carry on the detail study on this topic.

Resources: Another constraint of the researcher is financial resources to carry on the detail study of this topic.

Data: Another limitation to this study will be lack of data to make valid study on the research problem.

1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

CRIME: In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term crime does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition, though statutory definitions have been provided for certain purposes

CYBERCRIME: Cybercrime is a crime involving a computer or computer network. The computer may have been used in committing the crime, or it may be the target. Cybercrime may harm someone's security or finances

“YAHOO YAHOO”: It is a term for internet fraudsters

YOUTHS: the period between childhood and adult age

PERCEPTION: Perception is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the presented information or environment.