Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Nigerian SMEs: An Empirical Study of Awareness and Practice

Adamu Abdulmalik; Mohammed; Usman; Bello Fatima Hamid

doi:10.56201/ijcsmt.vol.11.no5.2025.pg93.101

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Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Nigerian SMEs: An Empirical Study of Awareness and Practice

Adamu Abdulmalik, Mohammed, Usman, Bello Fatima Hamid

Abstract

The increasing digitization of business operations in Nigeria has heightened the urgency for effective cybersecurity awareness and implementation. This study investigates the current state of cybersecurity awareness, the adoption of protective measures, and the challenges businesses face in implementing cybersecurity protocols. Using a survey of 162 Nigerian business respondents, the research reveals that while a moderate level of awareness exists, the adoption of advanced security practices remains limited. Basic tools such as antivirus software are widely used, yet more strategic defenses like multi-factor authentication and employee training are significantly underutilized. Key challenges identified include lack of technical expertise, financial constraints, and minimal organizational support. The findings underscore the need for targeted capacity building, government incentives, and a cultural shift toward proactive cybersecurity management. Addressing these issues holistically will be critical in fortifying Nigeria’s business ecosystem against escalating cyber threats.

Keywords

Cybersecurity awarenessNigerian businessescybersecurity adoptiontechnical expertisecyber threat mitigation.

References

Businessday NG. (2023). Securing the future: Aligning cybersecurity with Nigeria's digital revolution. Ejeofobiri, C. (2023). Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity learning and awareness in Nigeria. Vanguard. Independent Newspaper Nigeria. (2023). Nigerian economy: Digital revolution and cybersecurity. ISSAN. (2024). Nigeria must launch national awareness campaigns to combat rising cybercrime. The Guardian Nigeria News. Okoye, C., & Eze, T. (2022). Cybersecurity challenges and awareness among SMEs in Nigeria. International Journal of Information Security Research, 13(2), 88–96. Olatunji, A. (2023). The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing cybersecurity awareness for Nigerian public and private organizations. Tribune Online. Soomro, Z. A., Shah, M. H., & Ahmed, J. (2023). Cybersecurity awareness and challenges in developing economies: A regional perspective. Journal of Cyber Policy and Management, 8(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/xyz123456 Tambo, E., & Adesina, O. (2022). Building cyber-resilience in African digital ecosystems: Policy and capacity development perspectives. African Journal of Information Systems, 14(3), 233–247. The Firma Law Practice. (2023). Cybersecurity legal toolkit for businesses in Nigeria.

Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Nigerian SMEs: An Empirical Study of Awareness and Practice

Abstract

Keywords

References

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