THE ROLE OF CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS IN SAFEGUARDING DIGITAL SYSTEMS IN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING

Abstract

This study investigates the role of cybersecurity awareness in safeguarding digital systems within institutions of higher learning in the North Central region of Nigeria. As educational institutions increasingly adopt digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. A descriptive survey design was employed to address three research questions focusing on awareness levels, prevalent threats, and strategies for improvement. The study sampled 168 participants including students, lecturers, and administrators from the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, and Abdullahi Kure University, Minna. Data were collected using a structured, expert-validated questionnaire with strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.82), and analyzed through descriptive statistics. Findings revealed disparities in cybersecurity awareness across groups, with phishing, malware, and data breaches being the most common threats. The study recommends implementing compulsory cybersecurity training, enhancing ICT infrastructure, establishing a national policy tailored to tertiary institutions, and conducting continuous awareness campaigns. Further research is suggested to explore behavioral factors influencing cybersecurity practices in Nigerian higher education.