Running head: How cyber crime has negatively affected the economy of developing countries: A case study of Nigeria

Running head: How cyber crime has negatively affected the economy of developing countries: A case study of Nigeria

How cyber crime has Negatively Affected the Economy of Developing countries: Case study of Nigeria

Part 1:

Ethical Concerns

Social research encompasses frequent interactions with the respondents as well as the entire society at different levels. This is usually in a bit to derive quality information that would accredit the research. Notably, cyber crime is a sensitive issue and getting relative information is bound to be compounded by various complexities. In order to ensure that quality and credible information is collected in an effective manner, it is imperative to lay emphasis on the emergent ethical concerns whose implications are likely to undermine the credibility of the study.

As indicated earlier, the sensitivity of the information is likely to make the researcher to resort to other modes of collecting information that are not credible. For example, the researcher can fail to inform the respondents regarding the nature and purpose of the researcher for him to derive as much information as possible from them (Corgen & Thorton, 2001, pp. 54-70). Regardless of the fact that the information collected is likely to be rich, the means of collection would have contravened the fundamental ethics for research.

The ethical principles governing social research demand that respondents be well informed about the nature and purpose of the research before it commences. Further, the researcher needs to ensure that the participation in research is based on an informed consent. This can only be attained if the respondents are well informed about all facets of the research that they would participate in. Then, their consent should be sought before deriving any information from them. In this respect, the researcher is obligated to provide this information to the respondents, regardless of the effect that it would have on data collection. Not only would this enhance the process of data collection, but it would also make the researcher to win the confidence of the population in this regard. Further, this will ensure that comprehensive and objective results are disseminated back to the society in a timely and effective manner.

The possibility of the researcher failing to conform fully to the moral expectations of the society is also high. This is perpetuated by the fact that the cultural norms and practices of the society differ considerably from those of the researcher. This is likely to undermine the quality of data collected. Essentially, respondents tend to cooperate with researchers who value their cultural norms and practices more than those who do not value these (Holloway, 2003, p. 71).

To counter this, it would be imperative for the researcher to acquaint himself with the legislation of Nigeria and the relative rules and laws that govern research in the same. In addition, the researcher would inform himself about the local cultural norms, values and practices that are upheld by the society. This information is important to enhance good behavior and ensure that all the activities that the researcher engages in are within the cultural expectations of the Nigerian society. This would be achieved through the employment of research assistants and key informants.  Irrespective of acquainting oneself with basic information about the society, it would be imperative for the researcher to seek more help from individuals who understand the society better.

Part Two:

Objective of this study

The study seeks to provide an explicit and comprehensive analysis of the impacts of cyber crime to the developing countries. This will be done in light of the impacts of this insecurity to the Nigerian economy. To enhance a harmonic consideration, it will also underscore the impacts of this crime to other augmenting sectors such as the social welfare of the Nigerian society.

Literature Review

Cyber crime is a form of insecurity hat has had adverse implications on the economy of developing countries.  Emergent research shows that Nigeria is a developing country whose economy is threatened by this menace. According to statistical evidence, a significant 95% of technological operations in this region are susceptible to cyber crime (Locke, Spirduso & Stephen, 2000). Currently, it is indicated that no adequate measure has been devised to deal with the problem in a sustainable manner. The country ranks third with respect to internet use on a global scale. The United States International Business publication (2005) affirms that it has eleven million users whose operations entirely depend on the internet.

One of the significant efforts that has been employed to help stop this practice entails entrenchment of the relative regulations and laws in the legal sphere of the country. It cannot be disputed that the practice has had significant negative implications on the economy and the social life of the individuals. Indeed, it has stalled growth as investors have withdrawn from the same.  The business sector has adversely been affected as executive functioning is compromised through data theft.  The relative expenditures have cost the country a great fortune. If the resources employed in addressing the damages are diverted to other sectors of the society, it is posited that the country can realize as high as a five percent annual growth with regards to its Gross Domestic product (Obutte, 2008). The current situation is further exacerbated by the global recession that has led to incidences of retrenchment.

Perhaps the most affected are the businesses that run their operations online. Indeed, their credibility has greatly been undermined by the criminal activities and as a result, they have experienced significant losses. Also worth mentioning is the bad image that the country has attained on global scale. In this regard, Jewkes (2009, pp. 58-74) cites that globally, Nigerians are believed to be internet scammers. Notably, this has negative effects as the commercial activities and social life of the citizens s affected.

Justification of the Research

Internet crime or cyber crime is an emergent form of crime that stems from employment of technology for different purposes. This has had far reaching implications on the Nigerian community and society as a whole. Statistical evidence indicates that the country looses close to 15 percent of its revenue to the implications of this crime (Walls 2007, p. 69). The commercial sector of this country has suffered devastating impacts as trade has been affected through virus attacks. Research cites that banks in particular have been forced to think beyond fire wall for them to have the confidence of the clients. In a country whose economy is still low, this undoubtedly poses significant impacts.

The security of the country as a whole has been threatened through internet insecurity. This is because it gives the hackers and relative criminals a chance to access sensitive information that is employed in fighting crime. The increase in cyber crime has generally undermined the credibility of the country with regards to security. This has in return discouraged the investors and the economy of this country has suffered massively.  At this point, it is worth noting that developing countries entirely depend on foreign investment to boost their economic productivity.  Thus withdrawal of this has had adverse effects on the economy of the country and compromises its growth and development.

Loss of intellectual property in this country has also been attributed to cyber crime. This demoralizes the researchers and other intellectuals in the country and undermines their growth and development. The relative environment also discourages the intellectuals and other researchers to carry out important studies that would have otherwise contributed significantly to resolution of the various social and economic problems that undermine the growth of the country. Of great reference has been the impact of cyber crime to other sectors of the society including the film sector (Simmers, 2010). The negative implications have far reaching effects on the morale of the individuals and companies involved.

All these concerns have further been compounded by the lack of an adequate technology to fight the crime. The country also has inefficient infrastructure to effectively fight the crimes. This has contributed to the increase in the incidences that is further driving the economy down the drain. Further, it is also notable that unlike the developed countries, Nigeria lacks effective law enforcement capacity that can be employed in fighting the crime (Glenny, 2008). Likewise, this has contributed to its development beyond uncontrollable levels.

It is in this consideration that this paper finds it imperative to underscore and evaluate the economic implications of the internet insecurity menace to this country. It is believed that this would be important in informing the public, government and other stakeholders about the relative problems. The recommendations would offer useful insights with regard to the measures that would be undertaken to curb the practice. Further, findings would identify the specific areas that are adversely affected. It would enhance an informed and objective approach to addressing the problem and hence enhance the impact.  This sustainable approach is important in addressing the problem effectively and ensuring that previous gaps in these are bridged.

Research Design

The economy of developing countries will undoubtedly suffer immensely because of the implications of cyber crime. As it has come out from the p.............