Application of Digital Technologies in Combating Cybercrime in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: A Study of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki

Abstract

The alarming rate of cybercrimes, particularly in tertiary institutions in Nigeria has constituted a disturbing social problem that calls for urgent attention to curb the menace. This study focused on the application of digital technologies in combating cybercrime in Nigerian tertiary institutions; with particular reference to Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised of 5,259 four hundred level undergraduate students of the university. A sample size of 100 students was randomly drawn to participate in the study. Instrument for data collection was a researchers’ structured questionnaire which was subjected to face validity of three experts. Data collected was analysed using mean score. The result showed that identification of unusual patterns of cyber-attack and discovering threat data from various sources are amongst the ways artificial intelligence powered systems will be effectively used to detect and prevent cybercrime in Nigeria tertiary institutions. The result also revealed that identification and prevention of malware infections, detecting and preventing unauthorized access to systems and networks are some of the roles of machine learning algorithms in combating cybercrimes in Nigeria tertiary institutions. The result also revealed that prevention of any attack that relies on stolen password, protecting sensitive information such as financial data, personal identifiable information are some of the roles of two-factor authentication in preventing cybercrimes in Nigeria tertiary institutions. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that sensitisation on the application of digital technologies in combating cybercrimes should be regularly conducted in all the tertiary institutions in Nigeria; while calling for collaboration between ICT departments and cyber-security experts for smooth integration and maximising the benefits of digital technologies in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.