TITLE:
A Review of Human Vulnerabilities in Cyber Security: Challenges and Solutions for Microfinance Institutions
AUTHORS:
Evaline Waweru, Simon Maina Karume, Alex Kibet
KEYWORDS:
Human Vulnerabilities, Cybersecurity, Microfinance Institutions, Cyber Threats, Cybersecurity Awareness, Risk Mitigation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Information Security,
Vol.16 No.1,
December
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: This review examines human vulnerabilities in cybersecurity within Microfinance Institutions, analyzing their impact on organizational resilience. Focusing on social engineering, inadequate security training, and weak internal protocols, the study identifies key vulnerabilities exacerbating cyber threats to MFIs. A literature review using databases like IEEE Xplore and Google Scholar focused on studies from 2019 to 2023 addressing human factors in cybersecurity specific to MFIs. Analysis of 57 studies reveals that phishing and insider threats are predominant, with a 20% annual increase in phishing attempts. Employee susceptibility to these attacks is heightened by insufficient training, with entry-level employees showing the highest vulnerability rates. Further, only 35% of MFIs offer regular cybersecurity training, significantly impacting incident reduction. This paper recommends enhanced training frequency, robust internal controls, and a cybersecurity-aware culture to mitigate human-induced cyber risks in MFIs.