Relationship between social awareness and prevention measures in the context of cyber-crime

Abstract

This research delves into understanding cyber-crime and its prevention measures by exploring the applicability of crime prevention theories within cyber-space. This research aims to shed light on the effectiveness of crime prevention theories within cyber-space and assesses the awareness and applicability of cyber-security measures among university students. As society increasingly relies on technology, the sophistication of cyber-crime continues to grow, necessitating more robust prevention measures to mitigate the risks faced within cyber-space. The main objectives of this research are to deepen the understanding of cyber-crime, investigate the relationship between conventional crime and cyber-crime, explore potential cyber-crime prevention techniques informed by current crime prevention theories, and determine the level of awareness and application of cyber-security measures among university students. The study employs a quantitative approach to examine perceptions and awareness through a questionnaire analysis distributed to university students. The analysis of the questionnaire data reveals that participants have a relatively solid understanding of cyber-crime and cyber-security practices. However, some individuals struggled with nuanced definitions, particularly in distinguishing between cyber-crime and cyber-enabled crime, possibly due to misconceptions about their functionality. Additionally, there was low utilisation of encryption, perhaps stemming from similar misconceptions. Nonetheless, participants expressed high confidence in their ability to recognize and protect themselves from cyber threats.. Trust remains a concern despite acknowledging the need for third-party involvement in safeguarding. By shedding light on the complexities and sophistication of cyber-crime, the findings of this research explore the development of effective prevention strategies.