Gender Disparities in Cybersecurity Application Usage among Computer Science Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities

Adesegun Nurudeen Osijirin; Leonard C. Anigbo; Oliver Okechukwu

doi:10.70112/ajist-2026.16.1.4438

Authors

Adesegun Nurudeen Osijirin Department of Healthcare Management, Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu State, Nigeria
Leonard C. Anigbo Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
Oliver Okechukwu Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70112/ajist-2026.16.1.4438

Keywords:

Cybersecurity Applications, Gender Disparities, Antivirus and Antimalware Software , Firewalls and IDS/IPS, Multi-Factor Authentication, Virtual Private Networks

Abstract

This study explored gender differences in the use of cybersecurity applications among computer science undergraduates in universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. The use of antivirus and anti-malware software, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), encryption tools, Multi-Factor Authentication/Two-Factor Authentication (MFA/2FA), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in digital learning environments was examined. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 5,351 computer science undergraduates, from which a sample of 486 respondents was selected using a multi-stage proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The sample consisted of 295 males and 191 females. Data were collected using the Utilisation of Cybersecurity Applications for Digital Learning Questionnaire (UCADLQ). Statistical analyses were conducted using means, standard deviations, and independent-samples t-tests. The findings revealed significant gender differences in the use of antivirus software, firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption tools, MFA/2FA, and VPN technologies, with male students demonstrating relatively higher usage rates than female students. The study confirmed that gender has a significant influence on the utilisation of cybersecurity applications in digital learning environments. The study recommended practical cybersecurity education, comprehensive digital safety programmes, and institutional cybersecurity support frameworks to enhance student engagement with cybersecurity practices in universities.

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