Cybersecurity Awareness Among Radiography Teachers in Africa and Its Potential Impact in the Digital Age of Medicine

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To survey the current state of cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa and the existing challenges, and propose targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity education, practices, and resilience within the radiography education sector METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting radiography teachers across Africa. Data was collected using a self-administered 30-item questionnaire distributed during the Radiography Educators Conference of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists in Abuja, Nigeria. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 53 participants. Data analysis was conducted using Google Spreadsheets, generating descriptive statistics such as percentages. RESULTS: This study on cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa reveals a lack of training and awareness initiatives, with only 45.3% who indicated to have received cybersecurity training and 24.4% actively promoting its awareness. Furthermore, 86.3% lack cybersecurity insurance. Despite this, over 96% recognize the importance of addressing cybersecurity concerns. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored training, increased awareness initiatives, and developing guidelines to fortify cybersecurity readiness among African radiography teachers. This is due to the low cybersecurity training and awareness profiles in this study.