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Cited by 1Cybercrime and Law Enforcement StudiesInformation and Cyber SecurityCybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies

Cybercrime in Developing Countries: Negative Effects and Panacea

Open access
Ugah, John Otozi, Sunday, Onu, Obidinma, Alozie, Ene, Ori Silas·2025·OALib
DOI 10.4236/oalib.1113218
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Abstract

Cybercrime could be described as criminal activities carried out using a computer, network, or any other known digital device.Some of these activities include unethical hacking, phishing, identity theft, ransomware, malware attacks, and software piracy, among many others.This heinous crime has been on a geometric rise in recent times in developing countries.This study explores cybercrimes in developing countries, various forms, negative effects, and the panacea to the ugly menace.In order to achieve this, an empirical study was carried out using a questionnaire from Google Form.Seventy individuals from different works of life in different States in Nigeria responded actively to the survey.Thus, it was easy to represent their feedback using some popular statistical tools like pie chart, a simple bar chart and percentages.This research work shows that indeed, cybercrime has eaten deep into the fabrics of developing countries and needs to be checkmated.This study will educate the populace in developing countries about the various negative effects and the solution to the impact of this illicit digital crime.It also exposed the flaws of individuals, private and public sectors, in compliance with standard cybersecurity measures.Above all, it was discovered that cybersecurity awareness in developing countries is actually below standard; hence, there is a need to intensify the process to curb or probably ameliorate the negative effects of cybercrimes in developing countries.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This paper surveys 70 respondents in Nigeria to examine cybercrime in developing countries, its negative effects, and cybersecurity as a panacea. It finds low cybersecurity awareness and compliance, with identity theft, emotional distress, economic loss, and loss of sensitive personal data rated among the most negative impacts.

Key findings

  • Among 70 respondents, 40% reported experiencing hijacking of social media accounts or emails.
  • The top causes of increased cybercrime were poor implementation of cybersecurity laws, poor cybersecurity awareness, poverty, and peer pressure.
  • Identity theft, emotional distress, economic loss, and loss of sensitive personal data were rated as the most negative impacts, with over 40 respondents strongly concurring; loss of life, reputational damage, and political instability were considered secondary.
  • Compliance was uneven: 47.1% fully used strong 12-character passwords, only 14.3% changed passwords every 90 days, 71.4% used two-factor authentication, 67.1% used anti-virus/anti-malware, 47.1% had never used encryption, 52.9% had never done vulnerability management, 48.6% had never been enlightened on cyber threats, and 50% had no continuous security assessment.

Methods

  • Empirical survey using a Google Form questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp platforms and interviews; 70 respondents from different states in Nigeria, including civil servants, senior health professionals who are tech experts, and students in selected tertiary institutions.
  • Stratified random sampling was claimed, with age strata: 5.7% aged 18–24, 38.6% aged 25–34, 47.1% aged 35–44, and 8.6% aged 45–54.
  • Data were analyzed descriptively using pie charts, histograms, and percentages; a five-point rating scale ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

Limitations

  • The paper states the sample size was limited to the study scope and that 70 respondents were chosen as a balance between statistical power and practical constraints such as time, cost, and accessibility; it also notes the survey respondents were “small but informative and accurate.”
  • Evident from the text: the sample is drawn only from Nigeria, so findings may not represent all developing countries; distribution via WhatsApp and Google Forms suggests self-selection rather than a fully representative probability sample.
  • Evident from the text: analysis is descriptive only, with no inferential statistics, and some reported figures are inconsistent or unclear, such as “25.7 respondents” and percentages that do not always sum cleanly.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.4236/oalib.1113218

Cites

0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 34 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Cybercrime has deeply affected developing countries.

    “This research work shows that indeed, cybercrime has eaten deep into the fabrics of developing countries and needs to be checkmated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Cybersecurity awareness in developing countries is below standard.

    “Above all, it was discovered that cybersecurity awareness in developing countries is actually below standard; hence, there is a need to intensify the process to curb or probably ameliorate the negative effects of cybercrimes in developing countries.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The study exposed flaws of individuals, private and public sectors, in compliance with standard cybersecurity measures.

    “It also exposed the flaws of individuals, private and public sectors, in compliance with standard cybersecurity measures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    40% of the survey respondents admitted to having experienced hijacking of their social media accounts or probably emails.

    “The impacts of cybercrime are on the rise as 40% of the respondents admitted to have experienced hijacking of their social media accounts or probably emails.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.
  • Findingreasoning

    Loss of life and reputational damage were considered as secondary negative effects of cybercrimes.

    “Loss of life and reputational damage were considered as secondary negative effects as their impacts could not be compared at the same level as the afformentioned four negative impacts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.
  • May combine two claims. 34
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 22

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    25.7% of respondents were fully compliant with vulnerability management, 21.4% carried it out sparingly, and 52.9% were disillusioned/never.

    “The Identification and remediation of vulnerabilities in software and systems appeared to be to be the Achilles heel of most respondents as 52.9% were disillusioned by it and only 21.4% carried it out sparingly.This left a paltry 25.7 respondents to be full compliant to this.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    67.1% of respondents affirmed using Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software, 28.7% occasionally, and 3% were non-compliant.

    “The use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software recorded a tremendous positive response in their usage as 71.4% and 67.1 respectively responded in affirmation to its usage, also there was 15.7% and 28.7% occasional compliance respectively leaving 12.9% and 3% as non-compliant individuals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most individuals use the same passwords for eternity without changing them; only 14.3% regularly change their passwords at least every 90 days.

    “In the compliance section of the survey, it was discovered that most individuals use same passwords for eternity without bothering to change it, only 14.3% of our sample size agreed that they regularly change their passwords at least every 90 days.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    71.4% of respondents affirmed using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), 15.7% occasionally, and 12.9% were non-compliant.

    “The use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software recorded a tremendous positive response in their usage as 71.4% and 67.1 respectively responded in affirmation to its usage, also there was 15.7% and 28.7% occasional compliance respectively leaving 12.9% and 3% as non-compliant individuals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    34.3% of respondents did not have endpoint protection mechanisms, 27.1% did occasionally, and 38.6% ensured full compliance.

    “Protecting endpoints like laptops and smartphones with software and hardware controls is a very important measure but the feedback gotten showed that 34.3% do not have such mechanisms in place while 27.1% did such, occasionally?Only 38.6% considered such a measure important and ensured full compliance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Poor implementation of cybersecurity laws, poor cybersecurity awareness, poverty and peer pressure were the top causes of increased cases of cybercrime in developing countries according to respondents.

    “It could be seen that poor implementation of cybersecurity laws, poor cybersecurity awareness, poverty and peer pressure were top on the list as shown in Figure 4.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    22.9% of respondents always used encryption, 30% occasionally, and 47.1% never used it.

    “From our survey, 22.9% did this always while 30% carried it out occasionally.A whopping 47.1% has never used such an important mechanism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Identity theft, emotional distress, economic loss and loss of sensitive personal data were seen as the most negative impacts of cybercrimes, with over 40 respondents strongly concurring.

    “Identity theft, emotional distress, economic loss and loss of sensitive personal data were seen as the most negative impacts of cybercrimes as over 40 respondents from our sample population strongly concuured to the facts through their responses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only 27.1% of respondents had plans in place to respond to cyber-attacks, 51.4% had no plans, and 21.4% had such mechanisms occasionally.

    “In cases of Cyber-attacks, only 27.1% of respondents had plans in place to respond, 51.4% had no plans at all and thus vulnerable.Only 21.4% had such mechanisms occasionally which is as good as not having it all because such attacks can happy at any time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    67.1% of respondents regularly backed up critical data, 31.4% occasionally, and 1.4% never.

    “67.1% responded in affirmation to the regular backup of data and 31.4% agreed that they do carry it out occasionally as only 1.4% never complied with such.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    48.6% of respondents stated they have never been enlightened on cyber threats and measures, 35.7% were educated, and 15.7% stated it happened occasionally.

    “48.6% stated that they have never been enlightened on the various threats that exist in the cyber space and the measures to adopt to stay ahead of the attacks.Only 35.7% were in agreement that they have been educated about it while 15.7% stated that it only happened occasionally.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    47.1% of respondents complied fully with strong passwords of at least 12 characters, 41.4% were partially compliant, and 11.4% were strictly noncompliant.

    “From the responses, it was seen that 47.1% complied fully whereas 41.4% were partial compliant and 11.4% were strictly noncompliant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Political instability had the most undecided votes, but 23 respondents strongly agreed that it is a negative effect of cybercrimes.

    “Political instability had the most undecided votes as few wondered how cybercrimes could cause such a damage, nevertheless, 23 respondents strongly agreed that it is a negative effect”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most respondents had a soft spot for cybercrime and no interest to fight against it; there is no holistic hatred for cybercrime offenders.

    “Finally, it was discovered that there is no holistic hatred for cybercrime offenders and criminals as most respondents still had a soft spot for the crime and had no interest to fight against it as shown in Figure 9.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cybersecurity budgets in many organizations are reported to be less than 1% and many organizations had a zero-budget allocated to cybersecurity.

    “Cybersecurity budgets in many organizations are reported to be less than 1% and many organizations had a zero-budg et al. located to cybersecurity [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The psychological effects of cybercrime are social withdrawal/anxiety, depression, PTSD, obsessive behaviors, loss of confidence, reduction in self-esteem, headaches, abdominal pain/stomach problems, eating disorder, sleep disorder, not feeling safe, self-harm, suicide tendencies, feeling helpless, panic attack, mistrust of others.

    “[29]- [31], and [32] state that the psychological effects of cybercrime are social withdrawal/anxiety, depression, PTSD, obsessive behaviors, loss of confidence, reduction in self-esteem, headaches, abdominal pain/stomach problems, eating disorder, sleep disorder, not feeling safe, self-harm, suicide tendencies, feeling helpless, panic attack, mistrust of others.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [29]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [30]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [31]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [32]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Critical negative repercussions cybercrime can inflict on businesses include disruption of service or operations, financial repercussions, stolen or infringed intellectual property, forced changes in business practices, and reputational damage.

    “[33] listed the following as critical negative repercussions cybercrime can inflict on businesses: Disruption of service or operations, financial repercussions, stolen or infringed intellectual property, forced changes in business practices, and reputational damage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There is no holistic push towards joining the cybersecurity crusade to protect the internet space.

    “Surprisingly, there was no holistic push towards joining the cybersecurity crusade to protect the internet space.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Seventy respondents filled and submitted their responses.

    “At the end of the day, seventy (70) respondents filled and submitted their responses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The best measures to curb cybercrime in developing countries are strong password policy, encryption, two-factor authentication, anti-virus, anti-malware, vulnerability management, secure backup, and secure endpoint protection.

    “Also, the following were agreed as the best measures to curb cybercrime in developing countries.These are strong password policy, encryption, two-factor authentication, anti-virus, anti-malware, vulnerability management, secure backup, and secure endpoint protection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Policy makers in Cameroon feared that after completing a cybersecurity skill development program, trainees could use the skills gained to commit cybercrimes.

    “Policy makers, however, feared that after completing the training program, the trainees could use the skills gained to commit cybercrimes [3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Software piracy is now a major cyber threat than most persons think.

    “Establishment of the fact that software piracy is now a major cyber threat than most persons think.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The study sample had age distribution: 5.7% 18-24 years, 38.6% 25-34 years, 47.1% 35-44 years, and 8.6% 45-54 years.

    “of which 5.7% are people within 18 -24 years, 38.6% were individuals in the age limit of 25 -34years, 47.1% are in the range of 35 -44 years and 8.6% fell between 45 -54 years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Cybercrime has been on a geometric rise in recent times in developing countries, and this development has grown over the years unabated.

    “Cybercrime has been on a geometric rise in recent times in developing countries.This development has grown over the years unabated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The survey gathered information from 70 resident citizens of a developing country.

    “Surveys were used to gather information from 70 resident citizens of a developing country”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The use of questionnaire ensures confirmation and completeness of data and increases confidence in the credibility of the findings.

    “The use of questionnaire ensures confirmation and completeness of data as well as increase confidence in the credibility of our findings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cybercrime is now committed by people of all ages, from young to old, but most often by undergraduates.

    “Cybercrime is now committed by people of all ages, from young to old, but most often by undergraduates [9].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The survey instrument was reviewed before use, making the small survey respondents informative and accurate.

    “The survey respondents were small but informative and accurate because the instrument was reviewed before.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Africa has been among the fastest growing regions in terms of cybercrime activities.

    “Africa has been among the fastest growing regions in terms of cybercrime activities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cybercrimes are committed in different forms including unauthorized access and hacking, web hijacking, pornography, child pornography, cyber stalking, denial of service attack, virus attacks, software piracy, salami attacks, phishing, sale of illegal articles, online gambling, email spoofing, cyber defamation, forgery, data diddling, etc.

    “According to [26], cybercrimes are committed in different forms.they include unauthorized access and hacking, web hijacking, pornography, child pornography, cyber stalking, denial of service attack, virus attacks, software piracy, salami attacks, phishing, sale of illegal articles, online gambling, email spoofing, cyber defamation, forgery, data diddling, etc.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure a representative and comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

    “Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure a representative and comprehensive understanding of the research topic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A significant amount of cybercrime originates in Africa, and this poses a severe threat due to the inadequate protection of computer systems.

    “Computer security experts have found that a significant amount of cybercrime originates in Africa, and this poses a severe threat due to the inadequate protection of computer systems [12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cameroon was among the countries worst affected by cybercrime in Africa and was reported to be facing a dilemma to take measures to address the problem.

    “For instance, Cameroon which is among the countries worst affected by cybercrime in Africa, was reported to be facing a dilemma to take measures to address the problem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    A sample size of 70 respondents was used based on a balance between achieving sufficient statistical power to detect meaningful effects while managing practical constraints like time, cost, and accessibility.

    “A sample size of 70 respondents was used based on a balance between achieving sufficient statistical power to detect meaningful effects while managing practical constraints like time, cost, and accessibility of the target population.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Cybercrime is a growing concern in West Africa due to increasing use of technology and internet penetration in the region.

    “Note also that cybercrime is a growing concern in West Africa due to the increasing use of technology and internet penetration in the region.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    West African countries have experienced a surge in cybercrime activities, with major incidents including phishing scams, ransomware attacks, financial fraud, identity theft, and online scams.

    “According to various reports and analyses, West African countries have experienced a surge in cybercrime activities, with major incidents including phishing scams, ransomware attacks, financial fraud, identity theft, and online scams.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [11]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    As the trend of cyberattacks continues unchecked, security risks for all organizations, both public and private sectors, are greatly increased, at an immeasurable cost to the global economy.

    “As this trend continues unchecked, the security risks for all organizations, both public and private sectors, are greatly increased, at an immeasurable cost to the global economy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In recent years, there has been a significant increase worldwide in the number of incidents related to cybercrime, and West Africa is no exception.

    “In recent years, there has been a significant increase worldwide in the number of incidents related to cybercrime, and West Africa is no exception [10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Pirated software products cannot take advantage of updates from manufacturers, and they accelerate the spread of malware.

    “Since pirated software products cannot take advantage of updates from manufacturers, they accelerate the spread of malware.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many African Internet users are inexperienced and not technically savvy.

    “Just like in other developing countries, many African Internet users are inexperienced and not technically savvy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisecitation

    Cybercrime has been on a geometric rise in recent times in developing countries.

    “This heinous crime has been on a geometric rise in recent times in developing countries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The causes of increased cybercrime in developing countries range from poverty to peer pressure, poor implementation of cybersecurity laws, lack of cybersecurity awareness, unlicensed and pirated software, and unsecured internet connectivity.

    “The causes range from poverty to peer pressure, poor implementation of cybersecurity laws to lack of cyber-security awareness, unlicensed and pirated software, to unsecured internet connectivity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.
    • Rests on an assumption: The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These criminal activities have impacted both individuals and businesses and local, regional, and international economies within the sub-region, leading to a significant decrease in trust and confidence in online transactions and financial activities.

    “These criminal activities have impacted both individuals and businesses and local, regional, and international economies within the sub-region, leading to a significant decrease in trust and confidence in online transactions and financial activities [3] [11].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [11]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Stratified random sampling was used, dividing the population into age-based strata and drawing a random sample from each stratum.

    “Stratified Random Sampling was used: The population was divided into subgroups (strata) based on their age distributions, then a random sample was drawn from each stratum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    West African countries face significant cybercrime challenges, exacerbated by inadequate resources and a dearth of security experts.

    “West African countries face significant cybercrime challenges, exacerbated by inadequate resources and a dearth of security experts [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

45 of 45

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Poverty and underdevelopment are the primary causes of the growth of cybercrime in the region.

    “Unfortunately, poverty and underdevelopment are the primary causes of the growth of cybercrime in the region, making it crucial to have a coordinated approach to combat these threats.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cybersecurity is considered a luxury, not a necessity in many African economies.

    “Cybersecurity is considered to be as a luxury, not a necessity in many African economies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A majority of African Internet users lack English language.

    “A majority of them also lack English language.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 70 survey respondents are representative of the population of developing countries.

    “Surveys were used to gather information from 70 resident citizens of a developing country”
    “Developing countries have become a harbinger of cybercrimes and this development has grown over the years unabated.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The respondents' self-reported experiences and compliance behaviors are accurate and truthful.

    “The survey respondents were small but informative and accurate because the instrument was reviewed before.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The survey instrument was valid for measuring cybercrime causes, effects, and compliance.

    “The survey respondents were small but informative and accurate because the instrument was reviewed before.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The causes and negative effects identified by respondents are the actual major causes and effects in developing countries.

    “It could be seen that poor implementation of cybersecurity laws, poor cybersecurity awareness, poverty and peer pressure were top on the list as shown in Figure 4.”
    “Identity theft, emotional distress, economic loss and loss of sensitive personal data were seen as the most negative impacts of cybercrimes as over 40 respondents from our sample population strongly concuured to the facts through their responses.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The sample size of 70 is sufficient to generalize to developing countries.

    “The survey respondents were small but informative and accurate because the instrument was reviewed before.”
8 of 8

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Conflicting occasional-use percentage for antivirus software

    Minor

    The text reports 28.7% occasional use of antivirus and antimalware software, while Table 2 reports 28.6% for the same response category.

1 of 1

Cites

The publisher hasn’t deposited this paper’s reference list.

Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Onyma, E.M., Ogechukwu, U. and Anthonia, E.C.D. (2019) Potentials of Mobile Technologies in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning Approach. International Journal of Education (IJE), 2.
  2. Akogwo, L.I. (2018) The Internet and Emergence of Yahoo-Boys Sub-Culture in Ni- geria. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 2, 368-381.
  3. Boateng, R., Olumide, L., Isabalija, R.S. and Budu, J. (2011) Sakawa-Cybercrime and Criminality in Ghana. Journal of Information Technology Impact, 11, 85-100.
  4. Warner, J. (2011) Understanding Cyber-Crime in Ghana: A View from Below. Inter- national Journal of Cyber Criminology, 5, 736.
  5. 2003) Botnets, Cybercrimes and Cyberterrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues J.O. Ugah et al. DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1113218 19 Open Access Library Journal for Congress. https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32114.html

Cited by

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Authors
Ugah, J. O., Sunday, O., Obidinma, A., & Ene, O. S.
Affiliations
  • Ebonyi State University (NG)
  • David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu (NG)
  • Clifford University (NG)
Venue
OALib
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Published
2025
Volume
12
Issue
04
Pages
1-20
ISSN
  • 2333-9705 (ISSN-L)
  • 2333-9721
DOI
10.4236/oalib.1113218
OpenAlex
W4409376389
Semantic Scholar
81a23af40c2585af986240bace6bef6998051ef4
Cited by
1
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
1.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
OALib (publishedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Information and Cyber Security
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies
Keywords
cybercrime, developing countries, Nigeria, cybersecurity awareness, phishing, identity theft, ransomware, malware attacks, software piracy

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-11-03.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-11-03.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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