Manuscript Title:

CYBERCRIME AND CYBERSECURITY IN THE ERA OF EGOVERNMENT: INTERROGATING THE NIGERIAN STATE

Author:

ABDULLAHI UMAR, HALIMAH ABDUL MANAF

DOI Number:

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13740477

Published : 2024-09-10

About the author(s)

1. ABDULLAHI UMAR - School of Government, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Kedah, Malaysia.
2. HALIMAH ABDUL MANAF - Associate Professor, School of Government, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Kedah, Malaysia.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

The rise of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has transformed the 21st century into a global village, enhancing government and public service delivery by making information more accessible and cost-effective. However, the proliferation of ICT in government also brings the threat of cybercrime, which poses significant challenges to e-government services and national security, particularly in Nigeria. Although the Internet facilitates free access to information, it is also exploited by cybercriminals, adversely affecting public services and cybersecurity. This study aims to address strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of cybercrime on cybersecurity within the context of e-government in Nigeria. Grounded in the crime opportunity theory, the research adopts a quantitative approach with a survey design. Primary data were collected from 381 out of 1,190 government employees in Kaduna State using a structured questionnaire and Simple Random Sampling Technique. Data analysis used Multiple Regression with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 to interpret the collected data and derive meaningful insights. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between cybersecurity and factors such as capacity building, enhanced funding and resources, modernization of IT systems, and public awareness campaigns. However, the relationship between an established incident response and recovery plan and cybersecurity was found to be positive but not significant. Based on these results, the study recommends continuous staff training, recruitment of skilled personnel, collaboration with cybersecurity experts, and stricter sanctions for cybercriminals. Additionally, it advocates for comprehensive cybercrime legislation to combat online threats effectively.


Keywords

Cybercrime; Cybersecurity, E-government, and National Security, Information and Communication Technology.