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Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Digital Forensic Investigation as Predictors of Cybercrime Prevention in Emerging Market Telecommunications: A Quantitative Analysis

Eugene Nfor, Caleb Onjure, PhD, Eng John Mosonik, PhD

Abstract

This study examines the joint and interactive effects of artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and digital forensic investigation on cybercrime prevention in mobile network operators within an emerging market context. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 278 MNO employees (response rate: 88.0%) and analysed through hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis. Heteroscedasticity-consistent (HC3) robust standard errors were applied. Results show that AI strategy is the dominant predictor of cybercrime prevention (β = .436, p < .001, R2 = .474). Digital forensic investigation provides a significant incremental contribution after controlling for AI strategy (β = .221, p = .001, ΔR2 = .059). A significant positive interaction between both constructs (β = .114, p = .009) indicates synergistic security effects. Mediation analysis confirms that forensic investigation partially mediates the AI strategy–cybercrime prevention relationship (Sobel z = 3.02, p = .003), accounting for 18.6% of the total effect. Together, both predictors explain 54.6% of variance in cybercrime prevention. Findings support investment in AI strategy as the primary security capability and digital forensic investigation as a complementary and synergistic secondary investment in telecommunications security leadership.

Keywords

artificial intelligence strategy; digital forensic investigation; cybercrime prevention; quantitative analysis; mobile network operators; emerging markets.

References

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