Social Engineering Awareness Evaluation in University of Abuja: A Pragmatic Approach

Abstract

Social Engineering is one of the most significant security threats facing organizational systems and data in today’s technology-saturated world. It is considered a challenge for security chains, and attacks are increasing sharply. The study aimed to assess the level of Social Engineering Awareness within the University of Abuja through a Pragmatic Approach. A total of 101 participants took part in the survey and practical experiment. Results indicated a concerning lack of awareness, with 63% of respondents having no prior knowledge of Social Engineering and its attack vectors, while only 37% demonstrated awareness. Further analysis revealed that phishing emerged as the most prevalent Social Engineering attack vector, with 50% of respondents reporting victimization. Additionally, a significant portion of participants (53%) were unaware of whether their personal computers were compromised, highlighting a lack of technological know-how and awareness as key factors contributing to vulnerability. Considering the widespread use of public computers and networks among respondents, the study underscored the high potential for successful social engineering attacks within the University community. These findings shed light on the urgent need for enhanced Social Engineering awareness and cybersecurity measures within the University of Abuja.