The Defensive Cyber Security Readiness Model for Higher Education

Abstract

Cybersecurity entails a variety of concepts, tools and practices that are closely related to those of security aligned to information and operational technology. Citizens worldwide now have easy access to the internet, broadband, and fiber connectivity due to recent technology adoption. Threats to general cyber security, such as financial fraud, social engineering schemes, and virus attacks, have grown. Despite the fact that numerous standards like NIST and ISO have came up with a number of security models, the majority of businesses and organizations, as well as the cyber-security industry itself, are ill-prepared for the growing number of cyberattacks. This is due to the fact that the majority of security analysis systems now in use are primarily concerned with attack detection. Because of this circumstance, the attack surface has been continuously expanding in institutions of higher learning where sensitive data and valuable assets are highly valued by staff and students. This study was to evaluate the defensive cyber security preparedness model for Universities. The study utilized a goal-based method to evaluate the model based on its functionality, usability, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability metrics. The evaluation results from the experts conducted indicate that the model is over 80% satisfactory. This study is very significant as universities will be able to ascertain their preparedness status as well responding to outlined recommendations that will ensure they stay safe from future evolving cyber threats.