Utilisation of Information Security Mechanisms for Combating Pharming on University Websites in Northern Regionsof Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigates the“utilisation of information security mechanisms for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”. Two objectives were formulated: to identify the “type of information security mechanisms employed for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”; and to determine the “effectiveness of the information security mechanisms employed for combating pharming on University Websites in Northern Regions of Nigeria”. Quantitative research methodology was used for the study. 9 Universities in Northern Regions of Nigeria with 127 ICT personnel were selected. The questionnaire was used as an instrument in collecting the data. Mean and standard deviationwere used to present and analyse the data collected in the study. The research found that “detectives, preventive and mitigative mechanisms” were the types of “mechanisms employed for combating pharming on Universities studied”; it was also found that “mitigative and detective information security mechanisms employed are more effective than preventive mechanisms in combating pharming on University studied”. The paper concludes that, if security safeguards are not adequate, pharmers affect the “functionality of University websites undetected”. They can attack websites using skills the software developers never imagined. The study recommended that to guarantee information effective information security, therefore, ICT personnel need to establish strong preventive measures and quality management practices that will protect data during collection, processing, and storage from pharmers.