Assessing Cybersecurity Threats To Tanzania's Government E-Payment Systems And Their Impact On National Security

Abstract

This research delves into the cybersecurity ecosystem of Tanzania, concentrating on the threats and vulnerabilities inherent in the government's electronic payment gateway and their ramifications for national security. Utilising a descriptive research methodology, the study surveyed 1,420 officials from different departments within the Tanzania Ministry of Finance and Planning. It narrowed them down to a sample of 200 through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data collection was executed via structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with analysis conducted using both quantitative (SPSS for inferential statistics) and qualitative (content analysis) methodologies. The findings highlight a pronounced deficiency in cyber literacy among staff, rendering them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and resulting in significant financial losses. The research identifies critical weaknesses within the government's e-payment systems that pose substantial risks to national security. The study advocates for a multifaceted strategy to address these issues, including incorporating cyber literacy into educational curricula, enhancing national cybercrime management, and reinforcing government cyber networks with advanced security technologies. Furthermore, the study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive cybersecurity policy. Implementing such a policy is pivotal to ensuring a secure digital environment that supports national security and economic stability, forming the cornerstone of the proposed multifaceted strategy.