Overall Word count: 3000 words,
Assignment task a = 1000 words
Assignment task b = 1000 words
Assignment task c = 1000 words
Harvard style of referencing with in text citation in the body of the essay.
well structured essay
ESSAY ON CYBERCRIME.
Introduction (300 words)**
– Briefly introduce the concept of cybercrime.
– Define identity theft as a type of cybercrime.
– Outline the three areas you will discuss (theories explaining cybercrime, policing of identity theft, and suggestions for improvement).
**Part A: Theories Explaining Why Individuals Commit Identity Theft (1000 words)**
1. **Routine Activity Theory** (Included in many criminology modules)
– Explain the theory: Crime occurs when a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardianship converge.
– Apply to cybercrime: Online environments often lack capable guardianship, and the abundance of personal data can make for suitable targets.
– Discuss individuals as motivated offenders due to anonymity and potential financial gains.
2. **Psychological Theories**
– Discuss theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, which emphasizes intention as a precursor to behavior, including the role of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
– Apply to cybercrime: Individuals may rationalize identity theft due to perceived norms in hacker communities or financial desperation.
3. **Social Learning Theory**
– Explain the theory: Behavior is learned through observing others, especially if the behavior is rewarded.
– Apply to cybercrime: Individuals may learn and be encouraged to commit identity theft within certain online communities.
4. **Strain Theory**
– Discuss the theory: Crime is a result of the disjunction between societal goals and the legitimate means to reach them.
– Apply to cybercrime: Individuals under financial or social strain may turn to identity theft as a means to achieve goals.
**Part B: Theories Least Effective in Explaining Identity Theft (1000 words)**
1. **Classical Criminology**
– Discuss the theory: Crime is a result of individuals making rational choices to commit crime based on a cost-benefit analysis.
– Argue why it might be less effective: It does not account for the complex psychological and social factors that influence cybercriminals.
2. **Biological Theories**
– Discuss theories such as genetic predispositions to crime.
– Argue why they are less effective: They do not account for the technological and opportunistic nature of cybercrime.
3. **Labeling Theory**
– Discuss the theory: Individuals become criminals when labeled as such and when they accept the label as a personal identity.
– Argue why it is less effective: Identity theft often remains undetected, and perpetrators do not necessarily adopt a criminal self-identity.
**Part C: Policing Identity Theft and Improvements (700 words)**
1. **Current Policing Methods**
– Explain how identity theft is currently detected and policed. Discuss law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity measures, and international cooperation.
2. **Challenges in Policing**
– Discuss challenges such as jurisdictional issues, the speed of technological change, and resource constraints.
3. **Improvements**
– Suggest improvements in legal frameworks, enhanced international cooperation, better public awareness campaigns, and advancements in cybersecurity technology.
**Conclusion (100 words)**
– Summarize the key
