Cybersecurity Awareness And Human Resistance to Social Engineering Techniques in Owerri Municipal Council

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Authors:

Ogechi Judith Ofoegbu ¹, Dr. Ngozi Chinenye Okeke ², Chinedu Chimamkpa Ajokubi ³, Onyinyechi Vivian Kwaba ³, Charles Ifeanyi Uwandu ³

^{1 & 3} Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State.

² Department of Sociology and Anthropology,  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

[email protected], 08064984914 ¹

Abstract

This paper explores how cybersecurity awareness initiatives, influence human resistance to Social Engineering attacks. Through the review of current research and self-report method, the paper examines human vulnerabilities, the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness and training, and adherence to safe online practices in mitigating risks of cyber attacks, especially in this era of digital innovations where AI- enhanced attacks abound. Data were collected from 250 respondents drawn from all spheres of life, using a purposive sampling technique to target individuals with varying levels of digital exposure. The analysis revealed that while awareness initiatives reduces susceptibility to Social Engineering attacks, human vulnerabilities such as curiosity, trust, and urgency, remain key exploitation points for social engineering scammers. The study proposed a “human-firewall” through awareness and safe online practices

Key words: Cybersecurity awareness, social engineering, digital innovations, AI-enhanced cyber threats, human vulnerabilities, phishing, human firewall.

References

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Altarawneh, M. H. M.,  Althunibat, A., Almajali, M. H., Alzriqat, N. & Alazzam,  S..(2025). Cybersecurity Awareness Among School Students: Exploring influencing factors, legal implications and knowledge gaps. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies. Vol 8 (1) pp 1516 – 1529.

Bharati R. K. (2024). AI-enhanced Social Engineering: Evolving Tactics in Cyber Fraud and Manipulations. The Academic. Vol. 2(7) pp16-26.

Bhardwaj Y.K. (2025) The Evolution of Social Engineering: New Threats in the Age of Generative AI. European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology. Vol.13(27) pp 40-57

ENISA. (2025). Threat Landscape 2024: July 2023 – June 2024. European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. Happy F., Asheshemi N. O. & Esite J. T.(2025). 

Human Vulnerabilities in Cybersecurity: Analyzing Social Engineering Attacks and AI-Driven Machine Learning Counter measures. Vol. 30 (1) pp 72-84.

Ignatova E.S.(2024). Manipulation of Emotional Security by Cybercriminals Using Social Engineering Technologies: a case study // Vestnik Permskogo universiteta. Filosofiâ. Psihologiâ. Sociologiâ. Vol. 3. 374-390. 

Kahdka, K. & Ullah A .B (2025). Human Factors in cybersecurity: An Interdisciplinary Review and Framework Proposal. International Journal of Information Security. Vol 24(119).

Lopes A., Mamede H.S, Reis L. & Santos Q. (2024). Common Technique, Success Attack Factors and Obstacles to Social Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review. Emerging Science Journal. Vol. 8(2) pp 761-794.

Okdem, S.; Okdem, S.(2024). Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Review and a Case Study. Applied Science. Vol. 14. Pp 2-20.

Okigui H. H., J.C. Cronjé J. C. & Francke E. R. (2024). An Analysis of Cybersecurity Policy Compliance in Organisations.  ACIG.Vol. 3(2) pp. 303–321.

Prummer, J., van Steen, T. & van der Berg, B. (2025). Assessing the Effect of Cybersecurity Training on End-Users: A Meta-analysis. Computer and Security. Vol. 150 (March 2025).

Taherdoost , H. (2024). Towards an Innovative Model for cybersecurity  Awareness Training. Information. Vol 15 (512).

van Steen T. (2025). Developing behavioural Cybersecurity Strategy: A Five-Step Approach  for Organization. Computer Standards and Interfaces. Vol. 92 ( March 2025).

Wibowo, B. (2024). Social Engineering as a Major Cybersecurity Threat: Analysis of Challenges and Solutions for Organizations. International Journal of Science Education and Cultural Studies. Vol. 3(2).References

Arif A., Khan M.I & Khan A.R. (2024). An Overview of Cyber Threats Generated by AI. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Arts. Vol. 3(4) pp 67-76.

Altarawneh, M. H. M.,  Althunibat, A., Almajali, M. H., Alzriqat, N. & Alazzam,  S..(2025). Cybersecurity Awareness Among School Students: Exploring influencing factors, legal implications and knowledge gaps. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies. Vol 8 (1) pp 1516 – 1529.

Bharati R. K. (2024). AI-enhanced Social Engineering: Evolving Tactics in Cyber Fraud and Manipulations. The Academic. Vol. 2(7) pp16-26.

Bhardwaj Y.K. (2025) The Evolution of Social Engineering: New Threats in the Age of Generative AI. European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology. Vol.13(27) pp 40-57

ENISA. (2025). Threat Landscape 2024: July 2023 – June 2024. European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. Happy F., Asheshemi N. O. & Esite J. T.(2025). 

Human Vulnerabilities in Cybersecurity: Analyzing Social Engineering Attacks and AI-Driven Machine Learning Counter measures. Vol. 30 (1) pp 72-84.

Ignatova E.S.(2024). Manipulation of Emotional Security by Cybercriminals Using Social Engineering Technologies: a case study // Vestnik Permskogo universiteta. Filosofiâ. Psihologiâ. Sociologiâ. Vol. 3. 374-390. 

Kahdka, K. & Ullah A .B (2025). Human Factors in cybersecurity: An Interdisciplinary Review and Framework Proposal. International Journal of Information Security. Vol 24(119).

Lopes A., Mamede H.S, Reis L. & Santos Q. (2024). Common Technique, Success Attack Factors and Obstacles to Social Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review. Emerging Science Journal. Vol. 8(2) pp 761-794.

Okdem, S.; Okdem, S.(2024). Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Review and a Case Study. Applied Science. Vol. 14. Pp 2-20.

Okigui H. H., J.C. Cronjé J. C. & Francke E. R. (2024). An Analysis of Cybersecurity Policy Compliance in Organisations.  ACIG.Vol. 3(2) pp. 303–321.

Prummer, J., van Steen, T. & van der Berg, B. (2025). Assessing the Effect of Cybersecurity Training on End-Users: A Meta-analysis. Computer and Security. Vol. 150 (March 2025).

Taherdoost , H. (2024). Towards an Innovative Model for cybersecurity  Awareness Training. Information. Vol 15 (512).

van Steen T. (2025). Developing behavioural Cybersecurity Strategy: A Five-Step Approach  for Organization. Computer Standards and Interfaces. Vol. 92 ( March 2025).

Wibowo, B. (2024). Social Engineering as a Major Cybersecurity Threat: Analysis of Challenges and Solutions for Organizations. International Journal of Science Education and Cultural Studies. Vol. 3(2).