CYBER SECURITY MEASURES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY, KANO AND BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO LIBRARIES

ABSTRACT This study conducted a comparative assessment of cyber security measures implemented in selected public and community libraries in Northwest University, Kano and Bayero University Library, Kano State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the increasing digital transformation of academic and public libraries, which has exposed these institutions to diverse cyber threats including ransomware, phishing, malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access attempts, while significant resource disparities between university and public libraries create uneven levels of protection. The study adopted a descriptive comparative survey research design with a target population of 360 library staff, from which a sample of 254 respondents was drawn using multi￾stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled "Cyber Security Measures in Libraries Questionnaire" (CMLQ), which demonstrated a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.87, and semi-structured interviews with key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (independent samples t-tests at 0.05 significance level), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that staff demonstrated moderate overall awareness of cyber security threats (mean 2.91), with higher awareness of common threats like phishing (mean 2.92) and lower awareness of insider threats (mean 2.80). Cyber security measures were predominantly partially implemented (overall mean 2.08), with physical security scoring highest (mean 2.05) while advanced technical measures such as multi￾factor authentication and intrusion detection systems recorded the lowest implementation levels (means 1.93). Perceived effectiveness of existing measures was moderate (mean 2.67), with backups rated highest (mean 2.75) and incident response plans lowest (mean 2.57). Major challenges included insufficient funding (mean 2.98), unreliable power supply (mean 2.99), lack of regular staff training (mean 2.94), and inadequate trained ICT personnel (mean 2.91). Comparative analysis revealed statistically significant disparities (p = 0.0000) favoring Bayero University Library over Northwest University, Kano libraries in awareness (3.08 vs 2.54), implementation (2.16 vs 1.70), and effectiveness (2.87 vs 2.29), while challenges were more pronounced in Northwest University, Kano libraries (3.16 vs 2.75). The study concluded that current cyber security practices fall short of robust protection, with resource-driven inequalities creating a two-tier system of digital security within the same geographic context. The study recommended mandatory annual cyber security awareness training for all library staff, establishment of dedicated budget lines for cyber security representing at least five to ten percent of library ICT budgets, adoption of open-source security tools for resource-constrained libraries, development of a standardized Library Cybersecurity Policy for Kano State, and creation of a shared cyber security unit serving multiple academic and public libraries to pool technical expertise and reduce duplication of effort. The study contributed original empirical evidence on library cyber security disparities in northern Nigeria, providing actionable benchmarks for policymakers, library administrators, and funding agencies to enhance equitable