Investigating the state of cyber-security awareness by Zimbabwean citizens

Abstract

Connection to the internet is regarded a basic human right hence most Zimbabwean citizens have this privilege. This has resulted in almost every Zimbabwean citizen using social media, transact on line among other internet uses. However, there are concerns about the usage of this precious resource; cybercrime and cyber-security being the two major concerns. In 2017, the former president of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe introduced a Ministry of Cyber-security in Zimbabwe which many mocked and regarded as a political interest. This effort however showed the government's willingness to embrace a cyber-security culture in Zimbabwe. However currently in Zimbabwe, there is little to no documented policy that stipulates what cyber-security is let alone cybercrime. Though the country is operating in this status quo, cyber space in Zimbabwe like any other country has become a platform for different globalized criminal activities hence the need for cyber-security. Regardless of the government of Zimbabwe's efforts to enforce law which encourage a cybersecurity culture, its efforts for cyber-security awareness are far below what can be expected in a cyber-world. As a result, many cyber activities are inclined to cybercrime hence an indication of a lack in cyber-security awareness. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to investigate the state of cyber-security awareness in Zimbabwe. Data was gathered using 1250 random semistructured questionnaires administered in Zimbabwe's five cities. The results showed that Zimbabweans still have embryonic understanding for cyber-security issues.