DISTRIBUTED DENIAL-OF-SERVICE (DDOS) ATTACKS, MALWARE DISTRIBUTION AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
cybercrime, DDoS attacks, malware, electronic transactions and cybersecurityAbstract
This study examined the relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, malware distribution, and electronic transactions in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study specifically investigated the relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and electronic transactions, and established the relationship between malware distribution and electronic transactions. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted among users of electronic transaction platforms in Cross River State, with an accessible population of 160,000 active users. Using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula, a sample size of 400 respondents was determined and selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot study produced a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82, confirming high internal consistency. Data were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and electronic transactions. The second hypothesis revealed a significant relationship between malware distribution and electronic transactions. The negative correlation coefficients indicate that increasing incidences of DDoS attacks and malware distribution are associated with declining effectiveness, reliability, and user confidence in electronic transaction systems. The study concludes that cyber threats constitute a significant impediment to the sustainability and security of electronic transactions in Cross River State. It therefore recommends the deployment of robust cloud-based and on-premises DDoS mitigation mechanisms, alongside advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, antivirus solutions, and application whitelisting technologies to strengthen the resilience and security of electronic transaction infrastructures.
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