ISSUES IN CYBER-SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: LESSONS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRY LIKE NIGERIA

Abstract

Today almost all modern services rely on the usage of ICTs, including electricity generation, transportation networks, military forces, and logistics. However, the increasing dependence on ICTs makes service providers more vulnerable to attacks against vital infrastructures. Thus, it was on this note that this paper was set up to explore the issues in cyber-security administration from the prism of developing countries nay Nigeria. The methodology was based on a review of published articles, books, and journals to conclude the contemporary issues and challenges militating cyber security administration. The paper argued that while the ICT sector is in constant advancement, the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks are also increasing. As a result, many government institutions face challenges in controlling cyber-attacks. It was further argued among others that the Nigerian National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy possess the required contents expected to be typically contained in such document, unfortunately, certain aspects that appear to be critical to the Nigerian scenario such as an explanation of the current national cyber security state, partnership with internet service providers, the establishment of digital identity frameworks, etc. were utterly absent. The paper concluded that given the growing sophistication of cyber-attacks, cyber security is a necessary consideration for individuals, businesses, and governments. Thus the paper recommended (amongst others) that the process of cyber security is continuous; it must be continuously updated. As new programs and cyber intruders develop and exploit new vulnerabilities in computer programs and systems, the relevant stakeholders and defenders have a continuous struggle to defeat their attempts.