Online Theft and Cyber Security in Moshi District: An Assessment of Impact and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

This study examines online theft incidents in Moshi District, focusing on the prevalence of such crimes, the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, and the challenges faced by prevention agencies. Addressing the urgent need for enhanced cyber-security education, the research finds that 80% of participants have experienced online theft, with 75% formally reporting incidents. With a population of 535,803, the study surveyed 100 respondents using a convergent parallel design, allowing for the simultaneous collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Findings reveal that phishing, identity theft, Fake websites or online stories and online financial fraud are the most common offences, causing significant emotional and financial distress. Current mitigation strategies are viewed as inadequate, with 44% of respondents rating them neutrally and 27% as ineffective. Key challenges include low public awareness, insufficient funding, and poor interagency collaboration. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach is essential for effectively combating online theft and strengthening the cyber-security framework in Moshi District. It recommends enhanced cyber-security education and awareness programs, increased resource allocation, and improved interagency cooperation to effectively address these challenges.