(849) IDENTIFICATION OF NETWORK SECURITY THREATS IN HIGHER ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS' NETWORKS - A CONCEPTUAL PAPER

摘要

Colleges and universities have introduced many educational benefits through academic networks.These include the utilization of network supported distance learning, cluster computing and digitallibraries. This has enhanced students' ability to acquire knowledge and thereby providing a supportiveteaching and learning environment. However, academic networks are constantly being attacked byviruses, worms and the intent of malicious users to compromise perceived secured systems.Therefore, network security threats and cyber-attacks are a significant challenge faced by academicinstitutions that may cause a negative impact on systems and Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT) resources. For example, the infiltration of viruses and worms into academicnetworks can destroy or corrupt data and by causing excessive network traffic, massive delays maybe experienced. This weakens the ability of the institution to function properly, and result in prolongeddowntime and unavailability of Information Technology (IT) services. In this quantitative study, ameasuring instrument was employed and sent to specialized technical security staff in order to identifynetwork security threats and cyber-attacks in higher educational institutions. It is crucial that networksecurity takes on a prominent priority when managing academic institutions' networks. The results ofthe study indicate that there are inadequate security measures and system monitoring, which resultsin the exposure of academic networks to hackers and cyber criminals. It was also confirmed that thelack of enforcing network security policies, practices and awareness can negatively implicate networksecurity, mainly based on the fact that users do not comply with security policies. It is thusrecommended that specific network training should be provided to network users. This training shouldinclude non-technical measures and awareness regarding secure behavior.