Assessment of information security threats to information systems in Federal University Libraries, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed information security threat to information syatems in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria with the aim of uncovering the various threats militating against the smooth operations of the system. Sixty four (64) Librarians were randomly selected and surveyed across Federal University Libraries in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for the data collection and bench mark for analysis is determined as positive when the mean is 3.00 and above while a mean of less than 3.00 was regarded as negative. The study found that hardware equipment failure, unauthorized change of software settings, transmission error, data loss due to wrong procedure, power supply failure and employee’s misconducts as the major information security threat in the libraries. It was concluded that the libraries will be at risk operating a dysfunctional system which might tamper with its reputation and integrity if the necessary steps are not taken. The study recommended that: the library management should ensure regular maintenance of hardware to eliminate hardware equipment failure and system threats. System administrators should monitor the activities of patrons to avoid unauthorized change of software settings, password attack and installation of unauthorized programs.