Public Perspective of Cyber Security Challenges and its Control Strategies: A Nigerian Example

Abstract

This study examines cyber security challenges and control strategies in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, deploying a closed-ended questionnaire with a sample size of 100 participants drawn using accidental sampling technique. After data analysis using simple percentage regression analysis involving Likert Scale. Considering the challenges faced and control strategies employed by respondents using the above-mentioned scale, the analysis reveals a nuanced landscape of challenges and nature of cybercrime encompassing the intricacies of phishing, hacking, and e-banking fraud. Secondly, it was found that cybercrime negative effects are loss of employment, economic loss, and tarnishing of country’s image, thirdly the control strategies found effective to combat cyber security challenges include building a national cybersecurity regulatory, investment in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, collaborative efforts with international cybersecurity organizations, coupled with the sharing of threat intelligence, and regularly updating and patching software were identified as crucial control strategies, deemed essential for fortifying the ability to detect and respond to cyber threats promptly.