EFFECT OF CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT PREPAREDNESS ON THE EFFICACY OF DIGITAL FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS IN NIGERIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

TITILAYO ADESOLA ADEGBEMI; MLANGA SUNDAY; A. MUSTAPHA GANIYU

doi:10.65922/ctk97053

Authors

ADEGBEMI TITILAYO ADESOLA Author
SUNDAY MLANGA Author
GANIYU A. MUSTAPHA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65922/ctk97053

Abstract

Cybersecurity preparedness in Nigerian financial institutions faces persistent challenges from evolving cyber threats, inadequate infrastructure, and human-factor vulnerabilities that undermine the effectiveness of digital forensic investigations. This study investigates the effect of incident response planning, cybersecurity awareness and training, infrastructure investment, threat monitoring capability, and communication and coordination mechanisms on the efficacy of digital forensic investigations across banks, fintech firms, and insurance companies in Nigeria. The sample consisted of 120 cybersecurity and digital forensic professionals. Using a quantitative survey design and multiple linear regression, the study examines the influence of the five preparedness dimensions on forensic investigation outcomes. The findings reveal that all five factors significantly enhance forensic efficacy, collectively improving the speed, accuracy, and legal defensibility of digital investigations (p < 0.05). Incident response planning emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.328), followed by cybersecurity awareness and training (β = 0.290), threat monitoring capability (β = 0.267), infrastructure investment (β = 0.246), and communication and coordination mechanisms (β = 0.218). Grounded in the Forensic Readiness Model and Socio-Technical Systems Theory, the study recommends institutionalizing structured incident response frameworks, conducting regular cybersecurity training, and investing in forensic infrastructure and real-time monitoring to enhance cyber resilience and digital forensic capacity in Nigeria's financial sector.

Keywords: Communication Coordination Mechanism, Cybersecurity Awareness and Training, Incident Response Planning, Infrastructure Investment, Threat Monitoring Capability

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