Examining the Effects and Challenges of Cybercrime and Cyber Security Within the Cyberspace of Sierra Leone

Abstract

The use of information is increasing everyday with the advent of more applications of social media platform that utilizes millions of data per second globally. These data include sensitive information such as trade secret, privacy and security issues. Most importantly, some organizations, both private and public use this medium to disseminate messages among colleagues especially in Africa. Also, the emergence of smart-phone has accelerated more problems with having little knowledge on security matters. Furthermore, cybercrimes use this opportunity to launch more cyber-attacks by invading people's privacy and steal sensitive information such as credit card details, online shopping information of customers, online ticket booking. Government official's details have being hacked or eavesdropped over the years when using their smart-phones for communications. Emails of prominent people have also being hacked or disrupted, causing huge financial lose. These attacks are on the increase and therefore, countermeasures are vital to combat cybercrimes and cyber warfare in this hostile cyberspace. The research study the sociological and technological issues that impact cybercrime and cyber-security within the boundary of Sierra Leone, as a national security threats. The study provides answers to the issues highlighted in the research. An extensive survey was conducted, which highlighted the need for a robust and proactive approach to mitigate the frequency on which cybercrime is carried out in the country and its neighbors. Data amassed were subjected to relevant questionnaires issued and collected from the respondents in the state security apparatus, based on the conventional approaches or methods of investing crime in Sierra Leone. The research shows that the state has weak laws regarding cybercrime and cyber security, and most people working in these departments or agencies have little knowledge in cyber security and cybercrime. In fact, most are on political appointment rather than on merit-base that supposed to be the right procedure that will accelerate and achieve the goals of these institutions.