ISSN 2348-1196 (print) International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology Research ISSN 2348-120X (online) Vol. 8, Issue 3, pp: (51-56), Month: July - September 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Cybersecurity Risks and Challenges Facing the Adoption of E-Government Framework in Sudan Abdalhamid Abdalgader Guma1, Jamaludin Bin Ibrahim2 1,2
Kuliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
1,2
International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract: E-government implementation helping improve efficiency and quality of service delivery to their citizens in cost-effective ways. However, this transition process also creates new challenges and cyber risks. Cybersecurity is a crucial factor in transforming e-government into a resilient one. In this paper, the authors aim to review cybersecurity challenges facing the adoption of e-government framework in Sudan. Rising incidents of cyberattacks towards businesses, individuals, and governments and their cost for the economy is an increasing concern worldwide. Therefore, identifying threats and security vulnerabilities that could constitute an obstacle for the e-government in delivering their services is important. This study focuses on the existing literature. While there is a lack of resources that investigating cybersecurity issues in Sudan, thus this study may contribute to Sudanese library. Finally, the paper proposes some recommendations as countermeasures to mitigate the cyber risks. Keywords: E-government, Sudan, Cybersecurity Challenges, Resilient government.
I. INTRODUCTION ICTs have been increasingly adopted by the global community as a key enabler for economic development as well as social. Governments from all over the world started to realize the potential of digital transformation to promote their citizens' well-being and growth. But they also realized that cybersecurity needs to be an important and inseparable part of the technological advancement in facilitating this transition (Brahima Sanou ITU-GCI 2017). A modern platform has been built up by E-government that changed the essence of the entire public sector and its engagement with its constituencies. It has impacted the socio-economic and political aspects of society substantially. E-government offers much more efficient and cost-effective delivery of public services, creating significant incentives for enhancing the performance of the public sector. Notwithstanding this transition has made a significant benefits, but it also gives rise to new challenges particularly in developing countries, where multiple initiatives were not successful Sara Abdalla (2012). The rapid advancement of ICT and ease of access to internet globally, has resulted in a large number of first-time users in developing countries. With everyday cybercrime as reported by Casey Crane (2019) e-government must assure their level of security and apply countermeasures to keep their assets safe. Addressing the cybersecurity issues and their effects on the Sudanese e-government systems is important.
II. PROBLEM STATEMENT The implementation of e-government not only saves resources, effort and money but it can also increase the service quality levels. E-government security is one of the critical elements for maintaining a well-functioning e-government. With the increased number of services offered to the public sector, a higher level of e-government security is required as mentioned by Jin-fu, Wang. (2009). Therefore addressing the cybersecurity issues that may arise would mitigate the risks of cyberattacks. Some of research studies recommend further investigation in this area, for instance B. M. E. Elnaim (2014). While hackers every day looking for victims to attack, steal or corrupt their data, countermeasures need to be taken by e-government to safeguard people’s data and privacy. In this paper the authors aims to address the cybersecurity risks that may face the Sudanese e-government.
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