THE REALITY AND PROSPECTS OF CYBERCRIMES AND THE EXTENT OF AWARENESS OF INTERNET USERS IN LIBYA

The use of the internet and information and communication technologies has been increasing significantly in Libya. Additionally, different social and economic activities are conducted online every day. As a result, this has led to critical concerns about the issue of cybercrime. Furthermore, the risks of cybercrimes vary and can cause economic and social harm, which can reach a high level. Therefore, this study aimed to introduce the reality of cybercrime in Libya and its prospects. As well as investigating the knowledge and awareness of internet users in Libya about this type of crime. The methodology used in this study was a questionnaire that targeted internet users in order to collect their knowledge about cybercrimes. There were 120 participants in the study. Additionally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Science). The results of this study showed that cybercrime exists in Libya. Although the discovered cybercrimes were not that dangerous, the potential of their spread and development is highly anticipated with the increasing involvement of technologies in all life activities. The results also showed that there are internet users in Libya who lack sufficient knowledge of the significant danger that cybercrimes could cause. Accordingly, the researcher presented some recommendations that could help eliminate the risk of cybercrime and protect internet users' data and privacy.