COVID-19 and Cyber Insecurities: Prevalence, Causes and the Way Forward

Abstract

The global COVID 19 pandemic outbreak spread fear and uncertainties around the globe, but it, however, provided a near-perfect condition for cybercrime, and cybercriminals exploited this vulnerability. Hence, the research became imperative with the increasing cases of cybercrime attacks on digital citizens. The research adopted a cross-sectional survey research approach, where a descriptive study was embarked upon to identify the state of cyber security in Nigeria during the COVID 19 pandemic lockdowns. The study investigated using structured questionnaires administered online via the Google forms platform, the prevalence and patterns of cyber insecurities, and strategies to be adopted in curbing these insecurities. One hundred fifty respondents were sampled, and the study results were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed prevalent nefarious activities by cybercriminals during the study, and these cyber-attacks occurred often. The study further showed that Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram were the most used platform for these attacks. Ponzi schemes, Phishing attacks, click frauds and hacking of accounts were the most prevalent attacks regimens observed by the study. The cyber-attacks exploited the poor awareness of citizens on basic cyber hygiene best practices, poor dissemination of information by the government and donor agencies, and poor investigation of crimes. The attacks mostly mimicked aid programs by the government, civil societies and donor agencies. The study suggests an increase in user education and awareness and proper investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes as ways of mitigating against these menaces.