4 research outputs found
An evaluation of security threats and vulnerabilities to a national key point : case study of Medupi Power Station
The theft of copper cable and working tools at Medupi Power Station is a serious concern. The aim of this study was to explore the occurrence of security threats and vulnerabilities at Medupi Power Stations as a National Key Point. An explorative qualitative research was used. Eighteen participants were selected purposefully. The data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted by telephone and tape recorder. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis. It was revealed that the common modus operandi used by thieves includes the smuggling of stolen goods, including copper. Among the causes of security threats and vulnerabilities are a lack of manpower to perform essential security functions. It is recommended that the theft of copper cable and working tools be prevented and various suggestions are provided. Future research should focus on addressing top management and management responsible for security to play a role in security functions and ensure that sufficient budget is allocated to the security functions.Security Risk ManagementM. Tech. (Security Management
The effects of security protocols on cybercrime at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) within the educational
sector is increasing rapidly. University systems are becoming increasingly
dependent on computerized information systems (CIS) in order to carry out their
daily routine. Moreover, CIS no longer process staff records and financial data
only, as they once did. Nowadays, universities use CIS to assist in automating
the overall system. This automation includes the use of multiple databases, data
detail periodicity (i.e. gender, race/ethnicity, enrollment, degrees granted, and
program major), record identification (e.g. social security number ‘SSN’), linking
to other databases (i.e. linking unit record data with external databases such as
university and employment data).
The increasing demand and exposure to Internet resources and infrastructure by
individuals and universities have made IT infrastructure easy targets for
cybercriminals who employ sophisticated attacks such as Advanced Persistent
Threats, Distributed Denial of Service attacks and Botnets in order to steal
confidential data, identities of individuals and money. Hence, in order to stay in
business, universities realise that it is imperative to secure vital Information
Systems from easily being exploited by emerging and existing forms of
cybercrimes. This study was conducted to determine and evaluate the various
forms of cybercrimes and their consequences on the university network at
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The study was also aimed at proposing means
of mitigating cybercrimes and their effects on the university network. Hence, an
exploratory research design supported by qualitative research approach was
used in this study. Staff of the Institute of Computing, Information and
Communication technology (ICICT) were interviewed. The findings of the study
present different security measures, and security tools that can be used to
effectively mitigate cybercrimes. It was found that social engineering, denial of
service attacks, website defacement were among the types of cybercrimes
occurring on the university network. It is therefore recommended that behavioural
approach in a form of motivation of staff behaviour, salary increases, and cash
incentive to reduce cybercrime perpetrated by these staff
Building disaster resilience within the Emirati energy sector and its infrastructure through a comprehensive strategic mitigation plan
The energy sector dominates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and consists of various assets - electricity, oil and natural gas - that are geographically dispersed and connected by systems and networks. The protection of these systems and assets within the energy sector, especially the safeguarding of the oil and gas infrastructure from any internal and external threats, should become a top priority in the UAE. Threats to geopolitical and economic stability that need to be considered and prepared for include tectonic activity, climate change, nuclear energy, terrorism and war. The aim of this research is to develop a framework to enhance the resilience of the UAE’s critical energy infrastructure facilities through a strategic disaster mitigation plan.The philosophy of this research is interpretivism. The research approach is inductive, whilst the research strategy is case study. The secondary data was taken from various academic and professional sources whilst the primary data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Three facilities were selected for this research and they were electricity generating plants using gas - one in Abu Dhabi, one in Dubai and one in Sharjah. In total 100 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 42 were answered by energy sector workers (20 from Abu Dhabi, 15 from Dubai and 7 from Sharjah). Respondents of the questionnaire discussed issues such as energy sector preparedness, vulnerability and barriers to be overcome. Respondents believed that while the energy sector is best prepared for terrorism, extreme heat, and health and safety related accidents, it is ill prepared when it comes to facing natural hazards. The risk of terrorism was thought to be the greatest vulnerability. In addition, a total of 9 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Emirati energy sector managers who discussed the questionnaire responses and proposed further solutions to the concerns raised.This thesis provides important practical knowledge and makes a contribution to the provision of advice and methodological steps, derived from fieldwork, when it comes to developing a strategic mitigation plan and communicating it to the energy sector. It provides key information that could be used to improve the design and structure of current educational and professional programmes undertaken by individuals in the2disaster sector. The thesis provides tools for qualitatively evaluating the various threats and vulnerabilities faced by the UAE and acts as a platform for change.In terms of theoretical contributions, this research represents the first of its kind that engages both workers and managers in the Emirati energy sector. This gives academics and professionals unique insights into some of the significant problems that have become latent and perhaps would have continued unnoticed but require more comprehensive investigation. The study has specific implications for policy and practices within energy organisations operating in such settings, not to mention the way disaster is viewed