INTELLIGENCE STRATEGIES REQUIRED OF BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN MANAGING CYBERSECURITY: A STUDY OF SELECTED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTH-EAST OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the intelligence strategies required of business education students in managing cybersecurity in tertiary institutions in South-East, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 521 final year students of Business Education Department from Universities and Colleges of Education in South-East. There was no sampling technique because the population was manageable. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled: Intelligence Strategies Required of Business Education Students in Managing Cybersecurity Questionnaire (ISRBESMCQ). The instrument was validated by three experts in the field. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a cumulative reliability coefficient value of 0.87. 521 copies of questionnaire were administered; 470 retrieved and used for analysis. Data was analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions, and t-test statistics for testing hypotheses. The findings revealed that the students agreed that intelligent strategies applicable in managing cybersecurity include; regular system updates, smart password management, understanding best practices in data sharing, phishing awareness, root cause analysis, continuous learning, among others. The study further found that business education students possess abilities such as manipulating cybersecurity tools, applying risk management practices, strategic thinking, effective communication, adaptability, collaboration, continuous learning, and the use of cybersecurity technologies including antivirus software, firewalls, The study concluded that effective cybersecurity management among business education students requires a combination of technical, analytical, communication, and business-related competencies. It was recommended, among others, that tertiary institutions should integrate cybersecurity intelligence strategies into the business education curriculum and provide students with practical exposure to cybersecurity tools and practices. The study contributed to the advancement of educational theory by providing empirical evidence on cybersecurity measures that can be applied to minimize cybersecurity risks. 

Intelligence Strategies Required of Business Education Students in Managing Cybersecurity: A Study of Selected Tertiary Institutions in South-East of Nigeria