Maryland has actually begun to experience difficult times with the rapid increase in the cases of cybercrime. The need to address this as a public policy concern has become paramount before much damage is done. Maryland is a state whose economic infrastructure is getting to its peak of development and there is an actual concern to address cybercrime before it outlines further damage to the economic growth of the state. Investors find it quite suitable to establish in Maryland due to its sudden growth and its acceptance of information technology among other forms of technological advancements. Thus, the primary objectives of this research are to find out and discuss some of the trends with regard to cybercrimes that have so far surfaced in Maryland in the past decade and the impacts they have on Maryland’s economy.
Data Collection
This research study focuses only on Maryland. It has been established that online users between the ages of 20 and 55 are likely to be victims of cybercrime in Maryland. According to data compiled by OpenVPN, an open source virtual private network protocol, more than 65,000 individuals in Maryland have been victims of cybercrime (Tim Curtis, n.d.). It is more likely for a man than a woman to be a victim of cybercrime. In addition, more than 80 percent of the Maryland population have made purchases online or have social media accounts. However, fraud forms the majority of cybercrime cases in Maryland.
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Sample Design
This research study will include a population of 500 participants covering different age brackets. The standardized questionnaire will be used to collect data on a three weeks period before the date of interview. Due to the fact that almost three-quarters of the Maryland population have access to the internet, the use of the questionnaire is quite practical. Some of the reasons why this research survey will use standardized questionnaires are because they are inexpensive, practical, and offer the easiest and quickest way of getting results.
Getting quantitative data is made easier through the use of questionnaires especially the self-administered whereby there is no need of employing surveyors to perform face to face interviews. The questionnaires can be placed on the website or be emailed to the respondents directly. In addition, the use of questionnaires targets the specified group of choosing and the target group can be managed in a number of ways.
Survey Design
The questionnaires will be administered to the cases and controls through face to face interviews. The idea is to get to understand the case of cybercrime in Maryland and how it has impacted the community economically. Demographic information will be collected and questions asked about the possible risk factors such as lack of legal measures, lack of awareness, and lack of knowledge on how to handle cases of cybercrime. All the cases will be interviewed within a period of 48 hours.
The face to face interviewing is applicable in this research because it allows for accurate screening. This means that the individual being interviewed is unlikely to provide false information. Further face to face is advantageous in this case because it also captures emotions and behaviors. In this manner, the individual damages done by cybercrimes can also be assessed.
Questionnaire Items
Independent Variable
Have been harassed online?
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to be harassed online?
What are some of the measures you have put in place to avoid online fraud?
Do you agree or disagree that there are sufficient legal measures in Maryland to counter cybercrime?
What are some cases of cybercrime you have experienced or heard of?
Dependent Variable
Have you lost money in online fraud?
Do you agree or disagree that online frauds are quite prevalent in your area?
How can you respond to or identify a case of online fraud or harassment?
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you or your friends to fall victims of online fraud?
What are some of the legal measures in place to deal with online fraud in your area?
Demographics
What is your age?
Which of the following online platforms do you frequent?
Snapchat
How many real cases of cybercrime have you heard of?
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you or your friends to fall victims of cybercrime?
Do you agree or disagree that a number of individuals around you are aware of cybercrime and what it means?
Cover Letter
What is known about this topic is that cybercrime is on the rise in Maryland since a good proportion of the community is embracing technology. In this manner, most people are engaged in online activities. For that matter, cases of online fraud and harassment are on the rise. As such, it is evident that cybercrime has significant economic impacts on the community.
The research study will focus on the state of Maryland. The key consideration is to outline the economic impacts of cybercrime in the area. The research will start with a review of the literature regarding cybercrime in Maryland. Formal interviews will be conducted to establish the situation and context of the issue. Based on the preliminary reviews and sample data, an analysis of the same will be done to determine the case of cybercrime in terms of awareness, prevalence, and significance.
The research survey takes into consideration ethical concerns and in this regard, verbal consent will be sought from all the participants right before the interview. Parents or guardians of participants aged less than fifteen years will be granted consent on their behalf and will accompany the participants during the interview. Further, no information on participants will be associated with the reported data. The research study will find out some of the loopholes therein online security and the relevant authorities will be notified for further action and policy controls.
Reference
Tim Curtis. (n.d.). Who gets hit the hardest by cybercrime in Maryland? Daily Record, The (Baltimore, MD) .
