Smart Phone and Social Media Security and Privacy Management by Students of National Polytechnic University Institute, Bamenda, Cameroon

Abstract

This study investigates the major security and privacy challenges that social media and smart phone users experience and how they manage these security and privacy concerns. The worrying phenomenon of cyber criminality and personal security online is a major threat globally and with the growing numbers of smartphone users and internet dependency in Cameroon especially amongst students, people are susceptible to having their private information misused. The study addresses this threat by finding out the extent to which smartphone users in Cameroon are aware of security threats lurking online. The researcher employed a survey where questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample population was 100 respondents from the National Polytechnic University Institute, Bamenda, aged between 18-35 years who have access to smartphones and are active social media users. Findings reveal that most people are aware of some of the threats to privacy on social media and smart phones. However, it was evident that some respondents do not safeguard their privacy when accessing social media sites.