Paper Contents
Abstract
Cybersecurity threats are increasingly affecting academic institutions, making cyber hygiene awareness and adoption crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets. This study examines the awareness and adoption of cyber hygiene practices among students and staff of Kebbi State Polytechnic Dakingari. A survey-based approach was employed to assess knowledge levels, common security practices, and the challenges faced in maintaining cybersecurity. The findings reveal varying degrees of awareness, with students demonstrating lower adherence to best practices compared to staff. Key risk factors include weak password habits, phishing vulnerability, and lack of multi-factor authentication. The study highlights the need for targeted cybersecurity training programs and institutional policies to enhance digital safety. Recommendations include regular cybersecurity awareness campaigns, integration of cybersecurity modules into academic curricula, and the implementation of strict security policies to mitigate risks. Keywords: Cyber hygiene, cybersecurity awareness, phishing attacks, password security, higher education, Kebbi State Polytechnic, digital safety, cyber threats.1. INTRODUCTIONThe rapid growth of digital technologies has led to an increase in cybersecurity threats, affecting various sectors, including educational institutions. Cyber hygiene, which refers to practices and measures adopted to ensure cybersecurity, has become crucial in protecting sensitive data and maintaining secure online interactions (Park et al., 2020). Higher education institutions, such as Kebbi State Polytechnic Dakingari, are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to their reliance on digital platforms for administrative and academic activities. Cybercriminals exploit weak security practices, leading to potential breaches, data theft, and disruption of academic activities (Alotaibi et al., 2021). Despite the increasing threats, many institutions lack adequate cybersecurity awareness programs, leaving students and staff unprepared for potential cyber incidents.Educational institutions often serve as prime targets for cyber threats due to their open network structures and large user base, which includes students, faculty, and administrative staff. Threats such as phishing, malware infections, identity theft, and ransomware attacks have become increasingly common, necessitating the need for strict cyber hygiene practices (Bello et al., 2023). However, the level of awareness and adoption of these practices among students and staff remains a concern. Several factors contribute to this issue, including a lack of formal cybersecurity training, insufficient institutional policies, and complacency towards security risks (Alhassan et al., 2022). Without proper awareness and best practices, individuals within the institution remain susceptible to cyber threats, ultimately compromising the overall security of the academic environment.This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness and adoption of cyber hygiene practices at Kebbi State Polytechnic Dakingari. It examines the common security habits of students and staff, identifies risk factors, and suggests strategies for improving cybersecurity awareness and practices within the institution.
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Copyright © 2025 Anas shehu . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
