Importance of Cybersecurity in Crime Prevention in Australia

This research proposal aims to analyze the importance of cybersecurity in preventing cybercrime in Australia. The problem statement, research questions, hypotheses, literature review, research methods, and Gantt chart are provided. The study focuses on the way cybersecurity helps to prevent crime in Australia. The challenges of implementing cybersecurity and recommendations for mitigation are also discussed.

CYBERSECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION/LAW

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 2
Table of Contents
PART 1: RESEARCH PROPOSAL..........................................................................................4
Abstract..................................................................................................................................4
Introduction............................................................................................................................5
Outline of the thesis...........................................................................................................5
Problem statement..............................................................................................................5
Research question...............................................................................................................5
Research hypotheses..........................................................................................................6
Structure of the paper.........................................................................................................6
Literature review....................................................................................................................6
Methods................................................................................................................................11
Research Design...............................................................................................................11
Data Collection.................................................................................................................11
Data Collection Tools......................................................................................................12
Sampling..........................................................................................................................12
Data Analysis...................................................................................................................13
Gantt chart........................................................................................................................13
PART 2: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL.......................................................................................15
Individual reflection 1:.........................................................................................................15
Individual reflection 2:.........................................................................................................20
Individual reflection 3:.........................................................................................................24

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 3
PART 3: ETHICS APPLICATION.........................................................................................27
References................................................................................................................................32

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 4
PART 1: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Abstract
The research aims at analysing the importance of cyber security in preventing cybercrime. As
Australia is considered as an attracting place for cybercriminals due to its economic
development and massive use of internet, cybercriminals are targeting this place constantly.
Based on this problem, the research aim and objectives are developed and an overall
structure of the research is also provided. Further, analysis of existing literature is carried
out critically for having a better insight on the selected topic. In the next section, necessary
research methods are selected for conducting the research effectively and a Gantt chart is
developed for conducting the research in a methodical way.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 5
Introduction
Outline of the thesis
The aim of the report is to analyse the importance of cybersecurity in preventing crime.
Cybercrime is increasing day-by-day with the rapid technological development. Hence, it has
become critical to making the cybersecurity even stronger for reducing crime and
encouraging safety culture in the world of internet. Hence, the study focuses on the way
cybersecurity helps to prevent crime in Australia.
Problem statement
Australia is an interesting target for organised and serious crime associates because of the
country’s comparative wealth and higher use of technology like online banking, social media
and government services. Due to potential profitable financial advantages for serious and
planned crime organization, the threat of cybercrime is tenacious. The ACIC (Australian
Criminal Intelligence Commission) is worried about cybercriminals, who are making a profit
from Australian every day. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet carried out a
cyber-security assessment and found that cybercrime costs up to $1 billion to Australian
economy every year. It is diverting capitals from valid Australian economy to the unlawful
economy. Not only financial cost, but cybercrime also creates other significant damages as
well such as damage to personal reputation and identity, loss of employment or business
opportunities and impact on psychological and emotional wellbeing (Acic, 2018). Hence, the
topic is selected for gaining insight into the issue by developing recommendations for
mitigation.
Research question
The research questions are developed based on the research aim. The major research
questions include:

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 6
 What is cybercrime?
 What is the impact of cybercrime in Australia?
 What is the significance of cyber security in crime prevention?
 What are the challenges of implementing cybersecurity?
 What is the recommendation for overcoming the issues?
Research hypotheses
H0- Cyber security can prevent cybercrime
H1-Cyber security cannot prevent cybercrime
Structure of the paper
In the first part, then a thorough an introduction to the research topic is provided including
the problem statement and key research questions that are to find out by completing the
research. In the next section, a critical review of the existing literature on cybercrime and
cybersecurity is carried out. Further, research methodologies needed for conducting and
completing the research effectively. Lastly, the conclusion of the entire report is provided.
Literature review
The concept of cybercrime-
Cybercrime can be defined as a computer-based crime in which, the computer is used for
hacking, spamming and phishing. The computer is used as an object or tool for omitting an
offence like hate crimes and child pornography. Criminals, who carry out the illegitimate
activities, are often stated to as hackers. Cybercrime is also known as computer crime
(Leukfeldt & Yar (2016). In the words of Moore (2014) & Hui, Kim & Wang (2017),
cybercrime has two types. Crimes, where information and communication technologies such
as a computer are an essential part of crime like online fraud and offence focused on
computers or other technologies. Some of the examples of cybercrime include ransomware

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 7
and credential harvesting malware. Ransomware is a sort of malware, which helps coercion.
Normally, it infects the computer of a victim opens a malevolent email attachment. Following
contagion, ransomware locks the contents of a computer and shows a message, needingthe
victim to pay money for a decryption key, which will allegedly enable them to regain access.
The emails providing ransomware to the victims of Australasia use branding of well-known
and trusted Australian companies as part of their social engineering methods.
According to Holt & Bossler (2014) &Keyser (2017), credential harvesting malware is
designed for harvesting identifications of a user when he/she is logging onto a website. It is
done entirely secretly and hence, the victim remains unaware that their IDs are being
whipped. The malware that helps this reaping is normally sent via mail to the victim’s
computer by a malicious attachment. Cybercriminals, who are affecting Australian victims
work in collaboration although, they live in different nations or even different continents. It
makes cybercrime acts integrally flexible and fluid.
The conceptof cybersecurity-
Cybersecurity that is also called information technology security are the methods of
protecting networks, computers, data and programs from illegal access or attacks that are dine
for exploiting network security containing activities to safeguard the reliability, usability,
safety and integrity of the network (Buczak& Guven, 2016 & Gordon, Loeb, Lucyshyn &
Zhou, 2015). As stated by Fielder, Panaousis, Malacaria, Hankin & Smeraldi (2016) & Ben-
Asher& Gonzalez (2015), the key areas under cybersecurity include application security,
disaster recovery, information security and network security. Application security includes
measures, which are considered at the time of life-cycle development for protecting
application for threats, which can occur from flaws in the design, deployment, development,

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 8
maintenance or upgrade of the application. User/role authentication 7 authorisation, input
parameter validation, session management is some basic methods of application security.
According to Bates, Tian, Butler & Moyer (2015) & Conteh & Schmick (2016), disaster
recovery refers to the process of conducting a risk assessment, setting priorities, developing
recovery strategies at the time of disaster. Any business must have a solid plan for recovering
disaster. Information security involves protecting information form unlawful access to
protect privacy and evade identity theft. Major techniques applied to cover this field are
cryptography and identification, authentication & authorization of the user. Network
security focuses on protecting the network from multiple threats and averts them from
spreading or entering the network. The elements of network security include anti-virus,
firewall, anti-spyware, intrusion prevention systems and virtual private networks.
Game theory for cybersecurity-
A game is an explanation of the strategic communication between co-operating or opposing
interests, where the payoff and constraints for action are considered. The theory has been a
crucial concept in different security circumstances and has found high application in
cybersecurity. Game theory can be applied to web security, network security and many more
(Kamat & Gautam, 2018& Hussein, 2018).
As stated by Chang, Zhong & Grabosky (2018) & Cherdantseva et al. (2016), while there is
notable development in information-technology and infrastructure that offers new prospects.
Cyberspace is still away from complete security. In several cases, the installed security
solutions are unplanned and deficiency a measurable decision structure. While they are
competent in resolving specific issues they are meant to be designed, they fail to react
appropriately to rapidly changing the environment. As commented by Gordon, Loeb,
Lucyshyn & Zhou (2015) & Elmaghraby & Losavio (2014), game theory offers a huge

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 9
opportunity to place such a strategy on a concrete analytical setting. It considers the link
between the defence techniques and the attacks as a game played between the defender and
the attacker. Games can be developed and analysed, best moves of players are used for
deciding the way best approach to security in the cyber world largely.
However, Chukwudi & Udoka (2017) argues that game theory is unable to provide possible
numerical solutions to the problem of the game. Linear programming is an approach is a
more systematic solution to the issues related to cybersecurity using game theory. Linear
programming offers realistic accurate solutions. The area of integer programming can be
reconnoitred too in delivering a more genuine solution to the cyber-attacks.
The threat of cybercrime to Australian people
Cybercriminals are targeting Australia increasingly as an unveiling pad for cybercrime. The
cyber threats in the nation include suspicious URLs, malicious IP address and phishing sites-
over doubled in 2015. In this year, 2000 new dangerous IP addresses were developed every
day. Although Australia only holds 2% of global cyber-attacks, it falls under the top 10
international hosts for cybercrime (Abc, 2018). According to Keogh, Gordon & Marinovic
(2018) & Shafqat & Masood (2016), the amount of phishing attacks is rising at a stiff rate
that causes problems for both the businesses as well as consumers. Cybercriminals are mainly
targeting all types of business-related, financial and personal information. Hence, if they can
get into anyone’s system and understand his/her banking password, they can penetrate the
data back to their command and control centre faster than a blink and empty the bank
accounts.
Australia is a well-performing economy including a highly internet-connected society that
provides significant opportunities to the cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity in reducing cybercrime

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 10
To overcome the situation, the following responses are necessary for making the
cybersecurity stronger (The Conversation, 2018):
 The Australian Commonwealth and the states should focus on a very forward process
for setting up a unit for fighting national cybercrime in order to arrest and imprison
more cybercriminals. It must incorporate research staff, subsidised to a minimum $20
million every year for 10 years.
 Australia requires considering developing a National Cyber Security College to obtain
focus and distillate proficiency. Such an institution could facilitate generating actions
like setting up nationally agreed undergraduate prospectuses around a range of self-
control in cyber security using plunders for ensuring that teaching is conducted to
some nationally recognised standard(Blakemore, 2016 & Luna, Rhine, Myhra,
Sullivan & Kruse 2016).
 Parkinson, Ward, Wilson & Miller (2017) commented that deciding ona transition
plan so experts from a range of particular disciplines can be upskilled and transformed
into cybersecurity specialists.
Challenges of implementing cyber security
Researches have made it evident that 95% of the organizations encounter issues related to the
implementation of the cyber security. The first and the foremost challenge is absence of the
proper tools for automating the controls. Elmaghraby & Losavio (2014) mentioned that the
lack of appropriate tools for auditing the effectiveness has hampered the performance. Poor
integration of the tools and the absence of reporting turned out to be a major technological
issue in the implementation of the frameworks. The lack of trained staffs and conflicts
between them are some other important issues.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 11
Methods
Research Design
The research design refers to the set of methods and process that are used in the process of
the collection and the analysis for the measurement of the variables which are specified in the
research process. Yin (2009) commented that research design helps in the arrangement of
conditions for the research. In this case, the two variable of the research are the cyber security
and the crime prevention law. The research aims to evaluate the ways in which crime
prevention law helps to increase cyber security.
The researcher has opted for the positivism philosophy as the researcher needs correct and
realistic data to assess the issue of cybercrime in Australia. Interpretivism has not been
selected as mere perception of the people would not be effective in this case. Three research
designs which are available in this case are exploratory, explanatory and descriptive design.
Neuman (2013) commented that exploratory research is carried out to analyze an issue that
has not been studied deeply. Explanatory research design helps in connecting ideas for
understanding the causes and the effects of the research issue. The descriptive research design
helps in the detailed evaluation and the analysis of the data (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill,
2009). For the assessment effect of the crime laws on increasing cyber security, descriptive
research design is selected as it help in the detailed analysis of the data ad help in addressing
the research issue.
Data Collection
Saunders (2011) commented that data collection is the process of the obtaining and
assessment of the information on the variables of interest for answering the research
questions. Quantitative data refers to the information which can be measured and written
down with numbers. Quantitative data is clear and specific. They are accurate and reliable

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 12
and communicated through the charts and graphs (Saunders & Lewis, 2012). Qualitative data
refers to the information about the qualities that cannot be measured. Qualitative data help in
detail analysis of the research issue (Lyon, Mšllering& Saunders, 2015). For the present
research, the researcher has selected quantitative data since it is crucial to evaluate the factors
of cyber security and how the criminal laws are preventing it.
The other two types of data are primary and secondary data. Primary data is the first hand
data collected by the researcher from the field (Bailey & Burch, 2017). Secondary data is
gathered from already published sources. In this research, both primary and secondary data
has been gathered.
Data Collection Tools
The assessment of the cybercrime in Australia and the role of criminal laws require the
collection of primary and quantitative data. The quantitative and primary data is gathered
with the help of survey. Maxfield& Babbie (2014) commented that survey is a useful but
cheap tool that aids in the process of research for gathering realistic and updated data. The
secondary data on the cybercrime in Australia has been gathered from books, journals and
websites. The data collection tools are selected in such a way so that it would help in the
addressing of research objectives.
Sampling
Saunders, Kitzinger& Kitzinger (2015) mentioned that selection of the research population is
a critical task. Sampling is the process of selecting the research sample from a wide range of
population through the use of different strategies. Probability sampling offers fair chance to
every individual in the population for getting selected in the research process. For the current
research, the researcher has opted for probability sampling to select the participants of the
survey. Simple random sampling technique has been selected and the sample frame for the

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 13
survey is 45 people. The inclusion criteria for the sample population are that the participant
should be 18 years and they should be the regular users of the internet.
Data Analysis
The primary and the quantitative data collected in the survey will be analyzed with the help
of graphs and charts. The statistical representation of the data would help in better
understanding of the collected data and the research issue
Gantt chart
Activities Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Week
9
Week 10
Topic
Selection
and
identification
of research
issue
Selection of
Research
Paradigm
Selection of
types of data
to be
collected and
data
collection
tools

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 14
Data
collection
through
quantitative
tools
Developing
the
Literature
Review
Developing
the Ethical
Framework
Developing
the research
ethics
Data
analysis
Preparing
the final
report
Table 1: Gantt Chart
(Source: Learner)

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 15
PART 2: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
Individual reflection 1:
Introduction
The aim of the journals is recording own progress and developments. Here, I am going to
provide an account of my developments in different areas related to the research carried out
on cybersecurity in crime prevention.
Reflection on week 1
Research topic selection
On the first week, I selected the research topic. Cybercrime is at a higher rate in Australia that
is threatening the business and common people of the country. I think more effective steps
need to be taken for fighting with the problem. It is related to the mental health of the victims,
as cybercriminal steal their personal and financial information to run down the bank accounts
and make people frustrated.
Initially, I used to select a research topic randomly without researching much. However, after
selecting this topic under the supervision of my tutor, I have gained new insight on the steps
of carrying out a successful research. It has helped to conduct a research and developing a
research writing in an organised manner.
Reflection on week 2
Paradigm selection
In the second week, I selected the research paradigm. After going through different
paradigms, I selected the appropriate one for the current research. The positivism is chosen

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 16
that is related to the collection of quantitative data, as this paradigm supports quantitative
data over qualitative data. Hence, I think the application of this paradigm will be helpful in
analysing the quantitative data effectively. Usually, I did not have any proper idea regarding
the different uses of different paradigms. However, my thinking is changed after having
significant knowledge into the matter and it helped me conducting the research more
efficiently.
Reflection on week 3
Understanding statistics and graphs
In this week, I acquired knowledge about using statistics and graphs in my everyday life and
in my research. I did not have knowledge pertain to the difference between population and
sample. However, now I know the difference and it is related to the selection of respondents
for the research. I have understood that a population is a group of a large number of people
and sample is a selected number of people from that population that represent the entire
population. It changed my view related to the process of respondents selection and helped me
do this in a more systematic way.
Reflection on week 4
Developing problem statement
During the 4th week, I have learned about the way a problem statement can be developed.
For making a research work focused, there must be a specific problem statement based on
which, the entire research work is designed and carried out. Now, I think developing a
problem statement is necessary to develop research questions and structuring the literature
review part, as this part is related to the problem statement. Now, my view is changed pertain
to the development of a research problem that facilitates me in writing the problem statement
more efficiently.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 17
Reflection on week 5
Framing the searches
In this week, I have gained knowledge on the way of refining my searches. For obtaining the
best outcome, it is critical to focus on techniques that help to frame the searches. Now, I have
understood the process and while searching for conducting the literature review, I applied my
learning to structure the searches. This is related to the research problem and gaining insight
into the entire research topic. It has facilitated me to develop a more comprehensive an
effective literature review by framing the searches and structuring it in an efficient manner.
Reflection on week 6
Understanding ethics
I have learned about utilitarian and deontological approaches of ethics. Ethics are important
for carrying out a research smoothly. Therefore, during the sixth week, the workshop on
ethics changed my thinking about the importance of ethics. I used to consider ethics very
lightly and not give much importance to it. However, the workshop changed my view and
taught me its value in a research. It is directly related to the quality and effectiveness of a
research. If a research is conducted maintaining all the ethical standards, it is likely to
produce a more valuable outcome. Knowledge in this area also helped me in developing my
writing on ethics and structuring the research properly.
Reflection on week 7
The language of ethics application
During the seventh week, I have gained information and skill on writing an ethics application.
Here, I have understood the importance of using plain language while writing an ethics
application. It is connected to convincing participants to take part in the research. When an

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 18
ethics form is written in a plain language, the readers can understand it easily and it
helpsincrease reliability and trust between the surveyor and the respondents. I have gained
insight into how the language of the ethic form helps to make respondents comfortable in
responding to the survey questions. It helped me indevelop an ethics application effectively.
Reflection on week 8
Structuring literature review
During the eights week, I have learned to organise the literature review section. It is related to
the knowledge that is to be gained from a literature review. The insights that I have gained is
about the synthesis matrix. While developing a literature review, it is important to synthesise
different topics for having a greater understanding of the research topic and issue. This has
definitely helped me organised my writing in the literature review section.
Reflection on week 9
Preparation of brief report
Here, in this week, I have summarised the whole thing, my progress in the last 8 weeks and
developed a report to be submitted. I have gained significant understanding on the way a
research topic is selected, problem statement s develop, the suitable paradigm is elected,
framing the searches, importance of research ethics and the use of pain languages while
making an ethics application and structuring the literature review. It is related to developing
the research project. All these have developed my knowledge in conducting a research and
completing it successfully.
Reflection on week 10
In this week, I have learned how to develop an effective oral research presentation. Before
developing the presentation, it is important in preparing an outline, so that it can be done

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 19
systematically. The workshop on the 10th week developed my knowledge on preparing an oral
presentation efficiently.
Conclusion
I have gained significant insight into different aspects of developing a research proposal that
has made more efficient making an appropriate research proposal as well as a research
presentation. It is important to select proper research methods and collect necessary materials
by searching from different sources and making the research work effective.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 20
Individual reflection 2:
Introduction
Reflective journal is a personal record of the learning of the students. The reflective journal
offers a platform in which the learner can reflect on the observation and add responses to the
situation and explore different ways of thinking. I will reflect upon my development of the
research skill for the past 10 weeks to explain my perspectives and the learning experiences.
Week 1-Selection of problem and problem solving skill
In the first week, the workshop was about the analysis of the problem solving skill. The
workshop provided us with some work that helped to analyse our problem solving skill.
Based on the activities that we performed, we were able to offer score on our personal
problem solving skill and the self-confidence.
The first workshop was important for me as it help to assess my skill that are effective for
carrying out the research. Problem solving skill is important in the personal as well as the
professional career. The workshop helped me to gain new insight about my personal attitude
and understanding on the problem solving skill.
Week 2: Research Philosophies and Paradigm
In the second week, we were given internet connections and audio-visual support to
understand about the research paradigms and philosophies that are crucial part of every
research. After watching a video, I mentioned about the research paradigms and discussed the
aspects that I understood.
This week helped us to gather knowledge on to different research philosophies that can be
used by the research. I gained insight about the ways in which research philosophies can be
selected. After the assessment of the problem statement of the given research topic, I made

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 21
underlying philosophical assumptions and selected the positivism philosophy for the
research.
Week 3: Understanding qualitative and quantitative approach
In the third week, we were shown a video about the quantitative and the qualitative approach
that forms the vital part of the research. Furthermore, we were given a task on healthcare in
which we learnt about the development qualitative and the quantitative research question.
This week has helped me gain insight about the ways in which the research topic can be
narrowed down. I developed the problem statement for the research. This part is crucial as
based on the statement, I had to carry out the research. This workshop has changed about my
perspective on analysing problem and developing problem statement.
Week 4: Knowledge on statistical analysis
The fourth week was important as the workshop was on the ways of using statistics and
analysing the variables. We were given an exercise in which we had to identify the variables,
measure the ratio scale, understand graphs and did some statistical calculations.
This knowledge helped me to make use of statistics not only for education and professional
purpose but also for the daily purpose. My perspective for the data analysis and better
representation of data changed. Consequently, I gained insight about the ways in which I can
collect and analyse data for the research and address the research questions and the
objectives.
Week 5: Preparing Endnotes
The fifth week was on preparation of the endnotes for the research papers. () commented that
endnotes are important for easy maintenance of references. We were given an application in

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 22
the computer called EndNoteX7. We were also given knowledge about the ways in which we
learned about the different techniques of defining the research.
This week was an important learning experience for me as refining the researches was
effective for the acquiring the most important information based on the research issue. After I
understood the ways in which different important sources can be cited, I was able to
understand the situation and increased my confidence on data collection.
Week 6: Understanding ethical theories
This week helped us to develop idea about the utilitarian and deontological theory of ethics.
A case study was provided and we had to solve questions based on the utilitarianism and
deontology.
This week has helped me to gather learning and learning about the ways ethics should be
maintained and the basic principles on it. In this case, I understood the importance of
maintaining ethics in the entire research as it help ensure the research validity and reliability.
Week 7: Understanding ethics application form
After developing idea about the importance of ethics, the seventh week was all about
understanding the different contents of the standard ethical form.
This week helped us to gather insight about the ways in which the ethics form on the research
would be fulfilled. When, I will be preparing the research report based on the proposal I need
to prepare a standard ethical form so that the participants can participate without any
hesitation and the validity of the research are maintained.
Week 8: Literature Review structuring
The eighth week workshop was about the literature review. I have figured out how to sort out
the writing survey area. It is identified with the information that will be picked up from a

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 23
writing survey. The bits of knowledge that I have picked up is about the amalgamation
network. While building up a writing survey, it is critical to blend diverse themes for having a
more noteworthy comprehension of the examination point and issue.
Week 9: Report preparation
This week began with the preparation of a presentation on a short video. Then we were given
the stricture to prepare the proposal of the research issue. The report consisted of the different
section that we learned in the previous week.
This week helped to gain insight about the way of preparing research proposal report. I also
understand the facts that I should include as contents in the report. This would help me even
in my future to prepare the reports.
Week 10: Research presentation
This week helped me to learn about the research presentation. The research presentation
would be prepared based on the research proposal which was completed in Week 9. I gather
insight about the correct ways of preparing the presentation so that it can be attractive.
Conclusion
The workshops for the ten consecutive weeks guided me in the preparation of the research.
The workshops in the different weeks also gave us idea about the techniques of writing
research problem statement. This week helped us to analyse the importance of the underlying
philosophical assumptions.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 24
Individual reflection 3:
Introduction
The reflection is aimedat recording the progress and development that I have gained in the 10
weeks. Here, I have reflected on my learning in this section.
Reflection on week 1- Developing problem-solving skill and selection of topic
During the first week, I attended the workshop on developing problem-solving skill and it
helped me become an effective problem-solver. It provided mewith the skill of solving the
problem and thus, selecting an appropriate research topic. After searching for different IT
topic, I found the topic of cybercrime significant and hence, selected it. The increasing rate of
cybercrime is threatening the country and hence, cybersecurity needs being even stronger.
Thus, using my problem-solving skill is related to the other areas of the research as well such
as selection of research methods. Thus, it improved my ability to write a research more
efficiently.
Reflection on week 2- Selection of research paradigm
In the second week, important insight on various types of research paradigms was gained. For
conducting a research efficiently, it is important having necessary knowledge on the
significance of using suitable research paradigms, as this is related with other research
methods, which are needed to be applied for making the research work effective. Thus, I have
gained notable insight on the paradigms and selected the positivismparadigm that helped me
making the research work smooth. I have lack of knowledge in this area and the workshop
facilitated me developing my learning in this area and applying them practically.
Reflection on week 3- Gaining knowledge on the use of statistics

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 25
During the third week, I have learned the importance of statistical data and graphs in a
research. Population and sampling are the two important parts of data collection that I have
understood from the 3rd-week workshop. I gained insight on how to select a sample size from
a large population. Now, I am able to use mathematical data in a research and represent the
information through graphs. It is related to the understanding of the research outcome clearly.
Now, I can collect information and better use the data in my research.
Reflection on week 4- problem statement development
In this week, I have gained insight on how to develop a problem statement. It is important to
make the research work focused and conducting it in a systematic way. Problems statement is
also connected to developing research objectives and structuring the literature review. I did
not have any idea about the importance of developing an appropriate problems statement.
However, the workshop on this week facilitated me organising my writing on problem
statement regarding cybersecurity in cybercrime prevention.
Reflection on week 5- Learning citations
In this week, I have learned about different types of citations that are required for outlining
the searches. It has provided me understanding on how to make endnote references,
snowballing, citation peal, successive fractions and building blocks. I have gained knowledge
in the use of various types of citations. It is related to validating the sources of information
used in the literature review and other sections of the research. Using the knowledge, I made
the literature review and problem statement and framed the searches effectively. Thus, my
entire writing was improved.
Reflection on week 6- gaining knowledge on research ethics
I have considered some important ethics for conducting the research. Before the workshop, I
used to give little importance to the ethic section. However, the workshop cleared my views

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 26
regarding the application of ethics and its significance. For convincing respondents to
participate in the research and making the research fruitful, ethics play a major role. It
ensures the reliability and validity of the collected data as well as helps to avoid any legal or
ethical issues. Thus, I have applied the learning in my work followed ethics for
accomplishing the research successfully.
Reflection on week 7- Using proper language in ethics application
I used a simple language while developing ethics application for the current research. I used a
little complex language for developing it until I attended the workshop. Here, I understood
the value of using plain language in the ethics application, as it helps readers reading and
understanding the meaning easily for clearing their doubts. It facilitates the researcher
developing trust and a strong relationship with the participants and carrying out the research
effortlessly. The workshop gave me insight on making an effective ethics application.
Reflection on week 8- Developing the outline of the literature review
In the eight weeks, I learned about the process of making literature review structure. It is
related to the research aim and objectives and it offers significant knowledge regarding the
selected research topic. I used to make the structure of the literature haphazardly that is not
the way. After attending the workshop, I have become more efficient in developing a
structure of the literature review chapter and making it consistent with the objectives of the
research. The knowledge that I have gained here; I applied it in my writing that improved the
quality of my writing.
Reflection on week 9- Preparation of report
In the 9th week, I have gained understanding on preparing a report. Report preparation needs
following a consistent structure. It comprises a title page, abstract, table of contents,
introduction, literature review, research methods, conclusion and references, reflective

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 27
journal and ethics application. I have gone through all these stages for preparing the final
report. The workshop has provided me with important knowledge on the way of developing
an effective report that has developed my thinking and knowledge.
Reflection on week 10- Developing oral research presentation
After completing the report, now it is time to develop an oral research presentation. The 10h
week workshop was all about this topic and I accumulated knowledge on making a research
presentation appealing. I think that for giving an attractive look to the presentation, it is
important for adding related images on every slide. It can connect the audience with the
presentation easily. Thus, the workshop changed my idea pertaining to making a presentation
and made me more efficient in this area.
Conclusion
The workshops from 1st to 10 weeks enhanced my learning in different related areas of the
research proposal and presentation. The knowledge that I have gained within these 10 weeks
have provided me guidance in preparing the report and presentation efficiently through
selecting a topic, developing a problem statement, selecting research paradigms,
understanding the worth of statistical data and research ethics.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 28
PART 3: ETHICS APPLICATION
The researches that include the human participants are complex and involve different ethical
and legal questions. In the evaluation of the cyber security in Australia and the effect of the
criminal laws, the participants are involved in the research process and hence it is crucial to
involve ethical standards. The ethical standards should be developed in such a way so that it
protect the rights and welfare of participants, assess the accuracy of the data and safeguard
the property rights of the individuals. The most important objective of the research ethics is to
protect the rights of the individuals and to ensure that all the activities of the researches are
done with ethical soundness.
The research ethics form for the current research is given below:
Details of Research
 Title
CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION/LAW
 Type of Project
o Staff Research Project
o Class Research Project
o Undergraduate Research Project
 Honours Research
o PhD
o Postgraduate Research
 Completion Date of Project
The project is expected to be completed by 12/12/2019
Details about the Researcher
Name: Richard Thomson (Change as per the original name)

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 29
Position: Student
University:Federation University Australia
Phone Number: 1234567890 (Change as per the original name)
Email address: [e-mail](Change as per the original name)
Role and function of the Researcher: The prime role of the research is to assess the research issue
and create problem statement. The researcher is responsible for the selection of the proper
methodology and colleting the correct data for the research so that the research objectives can be
addressed. The researcher should ensure the validity and the reliability of the data.
Summary of relevant experience for this project: While carrying out the research project, the
researcher has gathered varied experience. The most important experience was related to the
selection of the sample, carrying out the survey and the analysis of the data. The research
encountered issues in the above activities but the effective implementation of the strategies helped
to overcome the same.
Description of Research
The main aim of the research is to assess the importance of cyber security in prevention of the
crime. The increasing incidence of the cybercrime has become an increasing concern for the
people. Thus, development of the criminal laws would help in increasing the cyber security.
The research questions include
 What is cybercrime?
 What is the impact of cybercrime in Australia?
 What is the significance of cyber security in crime prevention?
 What are the challenges of implementing cybersecurity?
 What is the recommendation for overcoming the issues?
Research aims & significance
The research aim is to evaluate the importance of the cyber security in Australia. The research is
significant because the online criminal activities in Australia are at a hike. The Australian Criminal
Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has become quite worried about the cyber criminals and results

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 30
have shown that cybercrime creates expenses up to $1 billion in Australian economy. Cybercrime
has affected the business and loss of the reputation of the business. hence, this research would
assess the importance of cyber security and role of the new laws ib preventing the crimes.
Approvals
 Does research involve participants?Yes
 If yes, has required permission been obtained from relevant agencies? No
Research methodology
The research would follow positivism philosophy, deductive approach and descprtive design.
Quantitative data would be collected from selected sample population.
 Is it possible to use the data collected to be used for other purposes other than the
current research? No
Participants Recruitment
The targeted participants include :
 Students of this university
 Adults
 People who make use of social media
 Proposed Recruitment Method
 Emails
 Facebook
Have you attached a copy of the advertisement that will be posted on Facebook? Yes
Research Burden
 Will the participants obtain any sort of direct or indirect benefits? Yes
 Details
The benefit would include detailed idea about the cybercrime that are prevalent in Australia and
they would understand the ways in which cyber security can be increased.
 Research activities

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 31
 Questionnaire
Process of Risk Management
 Place of risk management
o Federation University
 Other location
The research would be done online on Facebook.
 Is the research location effective for the scientific needs of the research? Yes
 Are there provision of effective facilities to meet the needs and the demands of the
participants who would be involved in the research? Yes
 Are there any risks involved in the process of the research? No
 What is the expected Outcome? The researcher aims to aspects the importance of
cyber security and create awareness about the laws that help in reducing the
cybercrime.
 Will there be any independent contractors involved in the research? No
Consent
 Any relationship exist between the researcher and the participant involved in the
participant recruitment? No.
 Is there any Plain Language Statement attached with the questionnaire? Yes
 How will the informed consent recorded? Implied by the return of survey
 Is any consent form attached? Yes
 Are the participants informed that they can withdraw from the survey at any time of
the research? Yes
Confidentiality
The methods that would ensure data confidentiality are listed below:
 Individually Identifiable data

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 32
 Re-identifiable data
Will the researcher possess the responsibility of ensuring the security of the data? Yes
Who will access the raw data? By the researcher only
Methods that ensure data security:
 The accessibility will be obtained only through passwords

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 33
References
Abc. (2018). Cybercriminals increasingly targeting Australia. (2018). Retrieved 20th
September 2018 from: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-26/cyber-criminals-
increasingly-targeting-australia/7203478
Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2017). Research methods in applied behavior analysis.
London: Routledge.
Bates, A. M., Tian, D., Butler, K. R., & Moyer, T. (2015). Trustworthy Whole-System
Provenance for the Linux Kernel. In USENIX Security Symposium 38 (1), pp. 319-334
Ben-Asher, N., & Gonzalez, C. (2015). Effects of cyber security knowledge on attack
detection. Computers in Human Behavior, 48(1), 51-61.
Blakemore, B. (2016). Policing cyber hate, cyber threats and cyber terrorism. Routledge,
London
Buczak, A. L., & Guven, E. (2016). A survey of data mining and machine learning methods
for cyber security intrusion detection. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 18(2),
1153-1176.
Buczak, A. L., & Guven, E. (2016). A survey of data mining and machine learning methods
for cyber security intrusion detection. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 18(2),
1153-1176.
Chang, L. Y., Zhong, L. Y., & Grabosky, P. N. (2018). Citizen co‐production of cyber
security: Self‐help, vigilantes, and cybercrime. Regulation & Governance, 12(1), 101-114.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 34
Cherdantseva, Y., Burnap, P., Blyth, A., Eden, P., Jones, K., Soulsby, H., & Stoddart, K.
(2016). A review of cyber security risk assessment methods for SCADA
systems. Computers & security, 56, 1-27.
Chukwudi, A. E., & Udoka, I. E. (2017). Game theory basics and its application in cyber
security. Advances in Wireless Communications and Networks, 3(4), 45-49.
Conteh, N. Y., & Schmick, P. J. (2016). Cybersecurity: risks, vulnerabilities and
countermeasures to prevent social engineering attacks. International Journal of Advanced
Computer Research, 6(23), 31.
Cybercrime. (2018). Retrieved 20th September 2018 from: https://www.acic.gov.au/about-
crime/organised-crime-groups/cybercrime
Elmaghraby, A. S., & Losavio, M. M. (2014). Cyber security challenges in Smart Cities:
Safety, security and privacy. Journal of advanced research, 5(4), 491-497.
Elmaghraby, A. S., & Losavio, M. M. (2014). Cyber security challenges in Smart Cities:
Safety, security and privacy. Journal of advanced research, 5(4), 491-497.
Fielder, A., Panaousis, E., Malacaria, P., Hankin, C., & Smeraldi, F. (2016). Decision support
approaches for cyber security investment. Decision Support Systems, 86 (2), 13-23.
Gordon, L. A., Loeb, M. P., Lucyshyn, W., & Zhou, L. (2015). Externalities and the
magnitude of cyber security underinvestment by private sector firms: a modification of the
Gordon-Loeb model. Journal of Information Security, 6(1), 24.
Holt, T. J., & Bossler, A. M. (2014). An assessment of the current state of cybercrime
scholarship. Deviant Behavior, 35(1), 20-40.
Hui, K. L., Kim, S. H., & Wang, Q. H. (2017). Cybercrime deterrence and international
legislation: evidence from distributed denial of service attacks. Mis Quarterly, 41(2), 497.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 35
Hussein, Z. (2018). Cybercrime: Do Security and Software Influence Students’ Perception?.
In Proceedings of the Art and Design International Conference (AnDIC 2016) (pp. 325-
332). Springer, Singapore.
Kamat, P., & Gautam, A. S. (2018). Recent Trends in the Era of Cybercrime and the
Measures to Control Them. In Handbook of e-Business Security (pp. 243-258). Auerbach
Publications.
Keogh, K., Gordon, C., & Marinovic, P. (2018). Cyber security: Global developments in
cyber security law: is Australia keeping pace?. LSJ: Law Society of NSW Journal, (42), 82.
Keyser, M. (2017). The Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. In Computer
Crime (pp. 131-170). Routledge, London
Leukfeldt, E. R., & Yar, M. (2016). Applying routine activity theory to cybercrime: A
theoretical and empirical analysis. Deviant Behavior, 37(3), 263-280.
Luna, R., Rhine, E., Myhra, M., Sullivan, R., & Kruse, C. S. (2016). Cyber threats to health
information systems: A systematic review. Technology and Health Care, 24(1), 1-9.
Lyon, F., Mšllering, G., & Saunders, M. N. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook of research methods on
trust. Camberley: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2014). Research methods for criminal justice and
criminology. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Moore, R. (2014). Cybercrime: Investigating high-technology computer crime. Routledge.
Neuman, W. L. (2013). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
London: Pearson education.

Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IN CRIME PREVENTION 36
Parkinson, S., Ward, P., Wilson, K., & Miller, J. (2017). Cyber threats facing autonomous
and connected vehicles: Future challenges. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation
Systems, 18(11), 2898-2915.
Saunders, B., Kitzinger, J., & Kitzinger, C. (2015). Anonymising interview data: Challenges
and compromise in practice. Qualitative Research, 15(5), 616-632.
Saunders, M. N. (2011). Research methods for business students, 5/e. Pearson Education
India.
Saunders, M. N., & Lewis, P. (2012). Doing research in business & management: An
essential guide to planning your project. London: Pearson.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students.
London: Pearson education.
Shafqat, N., & Masood, A. (2016). Comparative analysis of various national cyber security
strategies. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(1), 129.
The conversation. (2018) Australia is vulnerable to cyber threats, so what can we do about it?
Retrieved on 20th September, 2018 from https://theconversation.com/australia-is-
vulnerable-to-cyber-threats-so-what-can-we-do-about-it-66903
Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (applied social research
methods). London and Singapore: Sage.