Cybercrime in West Africa: A Systematic Review
Introduction
A recent surge in cybercrime has prompted a need to understand its scope and impact on individuals, businesses, and governments in West Africa. This systematic review aims to provide an exhaustive analysis of the current state of knowledge on cybercrime in the region.
Research Questions
- What are the current techniques and methodologies for combating cybercrime?
- What are the potential strategies for effective cybercrime prevention in West Africa?
Methodology
A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted using specific keywords related to cybercrime, fraud, and other relevant terms. The search strategy included a combination of conjunctions “AND” and disjunctions “OR” to retrieve a total of 490 papers.
Inclusion Criteria
- Published in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings between 2013 and 2023
- Analyzed or discussed cybercrime data
- Conducted in West Africa
- Written in English
Exclusion criteria included articles that did not contain cybercrime analysis, were published before 2013, or were not peer-reviewed.
Results
The search yielded a total of 491 potential articles, which were subsequently evaluated by a team of four student researchers with expertise in the field. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 43 articles were selected for review.
Conclusion
This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybercrime in West Africa, including its trends, patterns, types of attacks, most vulnerable sectors and populations, and the measures taken to combat it. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing and combating cybercrime in the region.
Recommendations
- Policymakers and law enforcement agencies should develop and implement targeted initiatives to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations and sectors.
- Education and awareness campaigns should be implemented to raise public consciousness about the risks and consequences of cybercrime.
Future Research Directions
This systematic review highlights the need for further research on the impact of cybercrime on West African economies and societies. Future studies should focus on developing effective strategies for preventing and combating cybercrime in the region, as well as exploring the role of technology and innovation in addressing this growing threat.
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime is a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and governments in West Africa.
- Effective strategies for preventing and combating cybercrime require a comprehensive approach that involves policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of cybercrime on West African economies and societies.