Business reactions to cyber security threats in the Kenya business environment
Date
2013
Authors
Onwong'a, Celestine Moige
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The global wave of information and communication technologies (lCT) has brought
enterprises not only enormous benefits, but also linked information threats. This thesis
discusses the reactions of businesses to these cyber security threats in the Kenya
business environment. More specifically it examines the characteristics of cyber
security threats, the awareness levels of the Kenya business community to these
threats, the manifestation of cyber security threats and the overall business reactions
to the threats. The empirical study was conducted in businesses across 12 different
sectors within Nairobi County between November 2012 and January 2013. It targeted
IT specialists and internal auditors from each of the sampled businesses totaling 83
respondents. The research adopted a descriptive and correlational design. Data
obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The analytical results revealed that
business reactions are pegged on the realization of the internet as a "double-edged
sword", which provided many opportunities for individuals, organizations and
governments to develop but with it brought endless opportunities for cyber criminals
to exploit The research argues that cyber threats, with their unique characteristics,
present new challenges to law enforcement, organizations and society as a whole. The
study also finds that films have reacted to this 'new' risk by putting in place various
cyber secu!i!YJn~as'Yl:5'.s.e.g.having in place policies and guidelines, installing various ----~~ ,- "'. .
technological tools like anti-viruses with an aim to deter, prevent and detect cyber
security threats. More is yet to be done by the various stakeholders in Kenya so as to
secure the cyber environment. This study recommends an extension of the study to
small and medium-sized organizations as it would enhance the generalizability of the
findings. Different parts of the country could also be considered for future research
for comparability purposes.
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Degree of Master of Commerce
Keywords
Cyber security, Business, Kenya, ICT