CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

According to the latest report National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of

11,592 cases were registered under the cyber-crimes (which includes cases under

Information Technology Act, offences under related sections of IPC and offences under

Special and Local Laws (SLL)) in comparison to 9,622 cases registered during the

previous year (2014) which shows an increase of 20.5% over the previous year. Uttar

Pradesh has reported the highest number of such crimes followed by Maharashtra and

Karnataka.

The growing internet usage rate has created a problem for people who spend long

hours browsing the Cyber World. In 2017, the number of mobile phone internet users

grew 12.49 percent compared to the previous year and 23.93 percent of the population

accessed the internet from their mobile phone. This figure is expected to grow to 34.85

percent in 2022. (statista.com, 2017). Thus, increased internet usage has opened the gate

of cyber-crime to flood in. Lack of awareness on such issues will lead to the damage of

financial, emotional, moral or ethical grounds

UNICEF estimates that more than four million websites showing juvenile victims,

even children younger than two years, can be found on the Internet (Cehovin, 2010). The

experience of abuse causes long-term effects on a person’s later life, both physical and

psychological. The latter includes feeling of guilt or responsibility for the abuse, low self-

esteem, feelings of inferiority and depression. With Internet pornography, one must also
realize that the child is victimized each time anybody watches material depicting his/her

sexual abuse. Due to the ease of dissemina

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materials on the web and the impossibility of removing material once it is published, it is

very difficult to stop the circle of abuse (Dimc & Dobovsek, 2012).

Awareness-raising in of crucial importance when it comes to cybercrime

prevention, and in the field of cybercrime related to children this issue is even more

important, since the EU Kids Online survey found that only one-third of 9-16 year olds

(33 percent) believed that their parents know more about the Internet than they do

(Ólafsson & Livingstone, 2013). Therefore, we believe that all target groups need to

substantially improve their knowledge regarding Internet safety and issues of illegal

Internet use.

In e-learning, information is more vulnerable to threats since in cyber-space

events occur almost instantaneously across large distances, network boundaries do not

align with physical and political boundaries and digital environments are subject to

attacks from a wide range of locations (Balkin et al., 2007)

(Poonia et al., 2012) also discussed the vital role of having cyber ethics in e-

learning environments, understanding the risks of harmful and illegal behavior, and

learning how to protect ourselves and other internet users from such behavior. It also

involves teaching young people who may not realize the potential for harm to themselves

and others online. Previous studies focused on the awareness of students towards

cybercrimes in general and did not explore the connection between cybercrimes and their

impact on e-learning.

According to Gandhi and Thanjavur, 2012, With the rapid development of

technology, it has become crucial to protect ourselves from cybercrimes as this evolution

can be abused by attackers taking advantage of users ‘lack of awareness. Thus, it imposes
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one of the most significant risks in economic, political, educational, social, and other

sectors in life. From a holistic approach, a cybercrime is any criminal activity in which

computers or computer networks are a tool, a target, or a place of criminal activity, and

include everything from electronic cracking to denial-of-service attacks. It also includes

traditional physical crimes where computers or networks are used to enable illicit

activity. However, it can be challenging to decide on one unified definition of what

cybercrimes are assume definitions are relatively narrow on focus (Pete et al., 2010).

The massive and rapid technological development has contributed, with its

technical means, to the emergence of a new type of crime known as cybercrime. At the

beginning of the spread of this type of crime and before the advent of internet networks

and modern means of communication, some jurisprudence used the term computer fraud

(Kunz and Wilson, 2004) to refer to these crimes as it was most common when these

behaviors emerged.

However, the term quickly became unsuitable for the nature of the crime since

fraud is considered a type of crime, not a term that could be used as a whole. Afterward,

the term computer crime (Kunzand Wilson, 2004) came to refer to criminal activities

using a computer, a similar device, a spreadsheet, or data contained therein.

Nowadays, with the world's current situation, educational institutions shifted from

campus learning into e-learning; hence, the possibility of cyber-attacks has increased.

However, little attention in research was addressed to the issue of awareness in the

security of e-learning, particularly as most research discusses cybersecurity awareness in

general (Venter et al., 2019).

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According to Raheem and Khan, 2020, have emphasized the importance of being

aware of cybersecurity at schools and the methods that stakeholders use to promote

cybersecurity in addition to the many challenges, such as the lack of expertise, funding,

and resources.

According to Bele et al., 2014, also emphasized the importance of raising

awareness among students to prevent cybercrime in general. They concluded that it is

crucial to create a combined effort of key stakeholders to raise awareness. Thus, they

have prepared blended learning courses to promote awareness for such issue

(Chandarman and Van Niekerk, 2017).

According to Poonia et al., 2012, also discussed the vital role of having cyber

ethics in e-learning environments, understanding the risks of harmful and illegal

behavior, and learning how to protect ourselves and other internet users from such

behavior. It also involves teaching young people who may not realize the potential for

harm to themselves and others online. Previous studies focused on the awareness of

students towards cybercrimes in general and did not explore the connection between

cybercrimes and the Furthermore, Mokha (2017).

Analyzed cybercrime awareness among internet users of different ages and

educational qualifications. The authors identified a relationship between the respondents'

age groups and educational qualifications; hence, individuals and all internet users owe

themselves to be aware of cybercrime and security (Mokha, (2017). Nguyen (2020)

examined what causes cybercrimes originating from Vietnam's social situation and

ultimately highlighted the importance of the causes in cyberspaces (Nguyen, 2020).ir

impact on e-learning.
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The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) recently launched its Anti-

Scam Campaign, a multi-partner information campaign aimed at promoting

cybersecurity, cyber-safety, and awareness among Filipino banking customers. The

launch coincides with the International Fraud Awareness Week, which emphasises the

importance of cybersecurity and cyber education in individuals’ lives all around the

world.

In its efforts to raise cybersecurity awareness in the Philippines, the BAP is

collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, including social media influencers,

government organizations, and the media.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. With this partnership with KBP, we can

keep the public informed and educated on the latest trends and scenarios on cybercrime,

considering the growing threats of cybercriminals. They have stepped up their game as

they try to take advantage of the rapid online migration of essential activities amid the

COVID-19 pandemic,” said BAP President, Wick Veloso.

CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA)—In its effort to raise awareness and consciousness of

the public on cybercrimes the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-

ACG, launched last August 2, 2022, its nationwide simultaneous public awareness drive.

In a statement, the ACG said the initiative is anchored on the ever-growing

dependence of the public on smart technology which was seen by some unscrupulous

individuals as an opportunity to advance their ill motives.ACG said there are studies

claiming that the human aspect has always been the factor that fraudsters capitalize on

since most victims of cybercrimes were not due to the employment of a specialized tool

but due mainly to the social engineering tactics of fraudsters.

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In line with this, the PNP-ACG has directed all Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units

of ACG and district offices in the National Capital Region simultaneously participated in

this endeavor by posting Infographic stickers to various places of convergence that

contain QR codes which when scanned will lead them to ACG’s Facebook page and

website that will showcase prevention tips on various modus operandi of cybercriminals.

Cybercrime awareness lectures were also conducted to various force multipliers

and to private business owners. Likewise, flyers and leaflets were distributed to passers-

by in bus terminals, malls, and marketplaces among others.

The use of technology in the commission of traditional crimes and the new found

ways of committing crime in the country pose an investigative challenge to the Philippine

National Police. There is a rising incidence of financially motivated cybercrime and

politically motivated cyber-attacks on government by cyber actors in the Philippines.

From CY 2003 up to CY 2012, a total of 2,778 cybercrime related offenses was

recorded by the PNP. While the country awaits the implementation of a comprehensive

cybercrime law, cyber criminals continue to use technology both in conducting criminal

activity and preventing its detection. This trend in criminal activity necessitates the need

for a dedicated unit within the PNP to go after these offenders and improve its cyber

security posture.

The importance of this study is to furthermore determine the importance of

cybercrime awareness among students of United School of Sciences and Technology,

Inc. at San Isidro, Tarlac city. In this study, we will determine the level of awareness of

2nd year criminology students towards cybercrime at USST Colleges.

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Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the Space Transition Theory of Cybercrimes by Jaishankar

& Ronel (2013). Space Transition Theory by Jaishankar & Ronel (2013) is an

explanation about the nature of the behavior of the persons who bring out their

conforming and non-conforming Demeanor in the physical space and cyberspace. Space

Transition postulates the movement of people from one space to another (e.g., from

physical space to cyberspace and the other way around). Space Transition Theory

contends that people act differently when they move from one space to another.

Popular cybercrime includes; phishing, malware, DoS and DDoS attacks, Trojans,

MitM attacks, identity theft, cyber fraud, key and screen loggers, cyber bullying, cyber

laundering, worms, and sniffers. Previous researchers tended to present the concepts

underlying cybercrime as a taxonomy (Brar, Harmandeep Singh and Gulshan Kumar,

20189) or ontology (Barn, Ravinder and Balbir, 2016). A predominant number of

classifications are taxonomies. According to this theory, cybercrime will take place when

three conditions converge, namely: 1) there is a motivated attacker; 2) a target with value;

and 3) the absence of a proper preventive mechanism or guardianship.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

What is the level

of awareness of the
respondents about
cybercrime;and Collection and analysis Does awareness have a
of data through survey significant impact on
how important it questionnaires preventing cybercrime
is to know about
cybercrimes. Presentation of Data
And
Recommendations
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The figure shown is the study about the Importance of Cybercrime Awareness

Among 2nd year criminology students of USST Colleges, it shows the level of awareness

of the respondent towards cybercrime, and how important it is to know about

cybercrime, and does awareness have significant impact on preventing cybercrime.

Statement of the Problem

The research study aims to spread awareness and determine the level of Awareness

among Students of United School of Sciences and Technology, Inc. at San Isidro, Tarlac

city.

1. What is the level of awareness of the respondents about cybercrime;

2. Does awareness have a significant impact on preventing cybercrime; and

3. How important it is to know about cybercrime?

Definition of Terms

AWARENESS – The knowledge and understanding of 2 nd year criminology students to

prevent cybercrimes.

CYBER CRIME - criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet.

CYBER SECURITY- Cyber security refers to every aspect of protecting an organization

and its employees and assets against cyber threats.

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HACKING- refers to activities that seek to compromise digital devices, such as

computers, smartphones, tablets, and even entire networks.

IDENTITY THEFT- is the crime of obtaining the personal or financial information of

another person to use their identity to commit fraud, such as making unauthorized

transactions or purchases.

PORNOGRAPHY- representation of sexual behavior in books, pictures, statues, films,

and other media that is intended to cause sexual excitement.

UNICEF- Refers to the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every

child are realized.

YOUNG PEOPLE – Refers to the people who are related to the study.
 CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter it will covered the Research Design, Population and Locale of the

Study, Data Gathering Tools, Data Gathering Procedure, and Ethical Considerations

which will serve as a guide in conducting this study.

Research Design

This study will use quantitative approach using the Descriptive Research design.

Quantitative Research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It can be

used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationships, and

generalize results to wider populations. Quantitative research is the systematic empirical

investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational

techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical

models, theories, and hypotheses pertaining to phenomena . The Researchers used the

Quantitative method of research utilizing a Descriptive Survey Questionnaire as the

instrument in gathering the data. This method was the most appropriate in study because

it will describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied.

Population and Locale of the Study

The researcher will conduct the study in United School of Sciences and

Technology, Inc. at San Isidro, Tarlac city. Our study would be Criminology students in

USST. The respondents of the study composed of 2nd year criminology students
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in United School of Sciences and Technology, Inc. at San Isidro, Tarlac city.

Data Gathering Tools

The researchers will use survey questionnaire to gather information regarding to

the importance of cybercrime awareness among 2nd year criminology students at United

School of Sciences and Technology, Inc. at San Isidro, Tarlac city.

Data Gathering Procedure

To gather the files needed for this study, the following steps will be done: The

first step, the researchers sent a letter of request to the school registrar office to give the

list of all criminology students. The second step, the letter is sent to the Dean of the CCJE

, as well as the students who participated in the research study entitled Importance of

Cybercrime Awareness among 2nd year criminology students of USST Colleges. The

third step, the researchers distribute and discuss to the respondents what is the content of

the informed consent and also deliberate the possible questions they would encounter in

answering the instrument. Upon the distribution of the instrument. The fourth step, after

floating of the questionnaire, the researcher will collect the instrument, and the data that

is taken from the survey will tally for the data interpretation. The fifth step, after the data

gathered, the result was checked, evaluate, analyze, and interpret with the use of

statistical tools that seek to answer the problem 1, 2, 3, and 4.

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Ethical Considerations

All participants in research will be given an information sheet and consent form

regarding this research project. The questioners being ask to participants are described

clearly to know what is being asked from them. The researcher must allow participants to

take part in the research at their own free will. The researcher must allow the participants

to participate anonymously, by keeping all personal information. No photos will be taken

of any participants. No voice and record private will be conducted. People must be

respected and seen not as passive sources of data but as people whose rights and welfare

must be protected.

Treatment of data

The data to be gathered were analyzed using descriptive techniques and will be

subjected to the following statistical tools:

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