Assessing the Vulnerabilities: Cybersecurity Challenges in Power System Infrastructure in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the Cyber security Challenges in Power System Infrastructure in Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study which employed a survey research design. The population of the study was 46 respondents comprising 23 Technical Units Heads and 23 Heads of Cyber security Units from the (23) power-generating plants in Nigeria. The entire population was used hence, there was no sampling. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled: Cyber security Challenges in Power System Infrastructure Questionnaire (CCPSIQ) developed by the researchers. A reliability index of 0.89 was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The mean statistic was used to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that the primary cyber threats targeting power system infrastructure in Nigeria including network-based attacks, insider threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, advanced persistent threats (APTs), physical attacks, zero-day exploits, data breaches, and ransom ware/extortion; it further reveal that cyber-attacks on power grid infrastructure in Nigeria lead to significant service disruptions, financial losses, equipment damage, safety compromises, erosion of customer confidence, regulatory non-compliance, increased vulnerability to future incidents, reputation damage, and prolonged recovery periods, underscoring the multifaceted impact of cyber threats on operational efficiency. The study recommended that: Collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and cyber security experts, is paramount to effectively address emerging threats and enhance cyber security resilience. By implementing proactive measures and fostering a culture of cyber security awareness, Nigeria can strengthen its power system infrastructure against cyber threats, safeguarding the reliability and security of critical services for its citizens.