Internal Security Threats Research Articles

Uncertainties in the Contemporary Political Landscape of West Africa amidst Global and Regional Challenges

Purpose: This paper analyzes the political instability in West Africa, exploring how historical legacies, military coups, and insurgent violence contribute to this instability. It also examines the role of external geopolitical influences and the limitations faced by regional organizations like ECOWAS in fostering stability. Materials and Methods: The research adopts a historical and analytical approach, examining the colonial legacies, recent military coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, and the rise of armed insurgent groups. It also investigates the external influences of powers like Russia and China, alongside regional efforts by ECOWAS to manage the political situation. Findings: The research highlights that the persistence of military coups and insurgent violence is deeply rooted in the colonial past and exacerbated by weak democratic institutions. The resurgence of military coups underscores the fragility of governance in the region, while the proliferation of armed groups intensifies security threats. External geopolitical actors such as Russia and China have reshaped political alliances in the region, complicating ECOWAS' efforts to foster cooperation. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: To achieve lasting political stability, West Africa needs to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote regional cooperation, and develop more effective strategies to counteract both internal security threats and external geopolitical influences. ECOWAS must enhance its capacity to mediate conflicts and unify states amidst growing geopolitical divides.

Challenges of Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Boko Haram Insurgents in Northeast Nigeria

Purpose: For more than a decade, the Boko Haram insurgency has been an internal and external security threat to Nigeria. This study aims to identify challenges and provide policy input to ensure the success of deradicalization and reintegration programs as a pathway to peacebuilding in North Eastern Nigeria.Methodology:This research method adopts a qualitative data collection and analysis strategy, with special interviews using unstructured questionnaires with family members of victims, officials from the North East National Emergency Management Agency, security officers, academics, and officials from international donor organizations.Findings: The findings show that the main obstacles to deradicalization and rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members include negative perceptions of victims' families, desire for revenge, suspicion of the authenticity of repentance, accusations of espionage, corruption of public officials, and the inability to provide an environment that supports full reintegration.Implication:These findings impact the importance of practical steps to ensure that surrendering rebels can be productive. At the same time, victims and their families must be adequately compensated to prevent future tendencies toward retaliation and the resurgence of the insurgency.

Security Assessment in Software Defined Networks (SDN): Vulnerabilities, Challenges and Research Prospects

Conventional internet architecture facilitating users for different services and applications but facing number of challenges like network management, QoS management for network virtualization, IP multicasting, deployment of IPV6, crucial security measures, end to end connectivity, inter and inter domain routing. To meet the demand of these services due to rapid growth of technologies and traffic, an emerging network architecture termed as Software Defined Network (SDN) with programmable technology has brought unprecedented management to control networks. Due to separation of data, control and application planes software defined network provides cost effective, openness, centralized automation, programmable features as per users own demands and high resilience to network administrators. OpenFlow evolved as a first standard protocol for software defined network control and data planes communication to meet changing business requirements. Although, Software Defined Network brings enormous advancements in networks to support business applications but it is severely affected with cyber-attacks at data, control and application planes. Middle boxes plays a significant role to manage network effectiveness and provide adequate security control from external and internal security threats but require proper management and configuration otherwise it leads to devastating effect. The main contribution of this paper are: (1) It explores various potential security attacks at SDN layers and inconsistent policies, (2) It provides various security concerns in SDN planes and preventive measures against these prevailing attacks, (3) It discusses security threats challenges and research opportunities in software defined network keeping in view critical security controls like spam detector, IDS/IPS, Firewall and policy management. This article assists researchers to comprehend security concerns and state of the art development and challenges explored by scientific community in SDN.

Региональная интеграция и новые вызовы международному правопорядку

The article reviews issues of the contemporary international law and order within the framework of challenges and threats to international and regional security. The authors raise issues of types of international and regional security threats and the search for legal means to overcome them. The paper notes the role of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Union State of Russia and Belarus in maintaining stability of the international law and order in the contemporary conditions of international turbulence.

The Effects of Electoral Violence on Women’s Legislative Representation

Despite the global expansion in women’s access to political leadership in recent decades, female parliamentarians remain a distinct minority in most national legislatures. Previous studies have linked variations in women’s descriptive representation to international and domestic security threats, such as interstate war and transnational terrorist campaigns. However, existing research has thus far overlooked how the turbulence, unrest, and violence often associated with the election process itself may produce gendered electoral outcomes. I argue that violent contention in the period immediately preceding elections introduces gendered distortions to the political recruitment process that determines the gender composition of legislatures. The cumulative effect of these distortions is a reduction in the proportion of legislative seats subsequently held by women. To evaluate my hypothesis, I analyze data from 620 nominally competitive legislative elections in 128 countries between 1990 and 2012. Consistent with expectations, the results suggest that higher levels of election-related violence are associated with lower rates of women's descriptive representation.

The Political Economy of Contemporary Insecurity in Nigeria: Theoretical Issues and Explanations

This paper examined the nature of contemporary insecurity in Nigeria. The paper adopts a qualitative methodology, and the data were gathered using documentary sources. It anchors on political economy approach using game theoretic modeling as theoretical framework. The paper argued that Nigerian state is currently facing internal security threats from separatist demands and ethnic militias to terrorism, cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, armed banditry, and armed robbery among others. It further stressed that Nigeria's frighteningly high level of insecurity makes its citizens live in constant fear. That Nigeria's socio-economic development has been badly impacted by this insecurity, which also has an influence on the credibility of Nigeria's international image. In order to address Nigeria's worries about insecurity, this paper concluded with policy recommendations, primarily for the National Assembly that corrupt practices must be addressed in order to restore peace in Nigeria. Also, to facilitate effective governance, which is necessary for upholding peace and stability in the country, the National Assembly must use the power of the legislative power derived from the constitution to improve responsiveness, transparency and accountability.

The Role of Political Leadership in Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan from 2001 to 2022

Pakistan has been facing internal security threats from extremism, terrorism, and militancy for several decades. These challenges have led to a struggle against different extremist groups, which has severely affected the country's internal security, stability, and progress. These profoundly entrenched phenomena have led individuals and groups to embrace extremist ideologies, undermining the nation's efforts toward stability and progress. The purpose of the study is to recognize the multifaceted nature of extremism and the hard and soft approaches by the government to counter the spread of extremist narratives and ideologies. This research explores the shift from a military approach to soft measures, including deradicalization programs, counter-narrative campaigns, educational reforms, and community-based initiatives. Through extensive secondary data collection and analysis, the impact of Pakistan's soft strategy on different target groups, such as youth, former militants, and vulnerable communities, was examined. The study revealed how drivers like political, social, and religious have been associated with violent extremism and how different extremist groups use these factors as a yardstick to get involved in violence. The analyses provide the basis for a common framework for resisting extremist ideology. It revealed that critical stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and educational institutions, are critical in promoting counter-narratives and fostering an environment of tolerance and moderation. By drawing insights from successful international practices and models, the study provided recommendations for strengthening Pakistan's strategy in countering extremism through community resilience, capacity building initiatives, and a comprehensive national action plan for a coordinated and sustainable approach.

A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH AS A METHOD OF PROTECTING INFORMATION AT THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONAL DATABASES AND SOFTWARE FOR WORKING WITH THEM

The design of relational databases and software (software) for working with them is analyzed from the point of view of design components affecting data security. Named the internal threats that arise due to imperfect design. Positive practices are described that allow designing databases and developing software to work with them in the aspect of secure code. It is justified why the stage of relational database design, when relation normalization is applied, relationships between tables are formed, and integrity constraints are formed, is a step to ensure data protection, which is not emphasized in the database security literature. In particular, it is proposed to create external relationships between tables so that the Database Management System (DBMS) protects data from integrity violations. Some points in the development of software are highlighted, which are responsible for the safety of working with the database from the point of view of creating a reliable and safe code and stem from the practical experience of the programmer. The secure code approach, which is widely used in software development and at the software audit level, has been shown to prevent internal security threats, which are the most common cause of data loss. The requirements for using this approach are included in the updated information security standards, so they should be considered by professional database and software developers.

Artificial Intelligence as a Source of International Security Threats

Artificial Intelligence as a Source of International Security Threats

Does digital transformation matter for operational risk exposure?

Basel Committee recommends banks maintain a capital buffer for operational risk exposure based on business volumes, assuming aggressive actions for quicker business growth could increase risk exposures. We argue that technological innovations expose banks to more operational risk because technology helps increase business volume, but system failure, problems with internal processes, and disruptions from external and internal security threats are inherent to technology. Based on 10 years of data for 264 banks from 43 countries, we find that digitalized banking operation is an underlying driver of operational risk that comes with increased business volume. Banks proactively take more operational risks by increasing cyber spending to tackle FinTech competition in the digitalized economy. Digitalization could generally matter for operational risk exposure, but the natural experiment does not find cybersecurity threats per se could increase operational risks even though cybersecurity appears to be a serious threat to digital banking. The study creates new avenues for future research.

The Rohingya Influx into Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar: Mapping Internal Security Threats

Following the recent 2017 Rohingya influx, Bangladesh now hosts nearly one million Rohingyas. Being persecuted by the Myanmar state machinery and some local vigilantes, they fled for safe refuge in Bangladesh’s Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh sheltered them in 34 overcrowded camps located in the Teknaf and Ukhiya sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar. At present, Rohingyas are counted more than double compared to the local host population in these two areas. This study makes efforts to explicate why and how these stranded Rohingyas can be a security threat to Bangladesh. Theoretically, the study relies on security discourse; ecological and resource scarcity model; and relative deprivation theory. Under the qualitative research approach, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews mainly with key informants and subject experts to gather field data. The study brings out that this overpopulation has perplexed the security milieu of the country and forecasts multifaceted internal security threats. Thus, the study offers salient policy recommendations to ameliorate the crisis response by neutralizing the identified and forecasted conflictual issues. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 89-107

Dynamic access control method for SDP-based network environments

With online work environments and other distributed computing systems—such as cloud technologies or Internet of Things systems—becoming increasingly popular today due to the COVID-19 pandemic and general technological advances, the question of how to keep them secure has also become a pertinent concern. With this increased dependence on online systems for companies, cyberattacks have also been on the rise. To protect terminal devices, many companies have resorted to implementing a single boundary-defense model. This method has yielded positive results in securing the network from external threats, but it does not effectively protect network from internal security threats. With the vulnerabilities in the internal network security in mind, a dynamic access control method used with a zero-trust software-defined perimeter security model could be a viable solution. This study proposes a dynamic access control method using an engine with a new reward and penalty point-based system (RP Engine) and a dynamic task engine (DT Engine) for a zero-trust SDP security model.

Conducting Risk Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment in the Core Fund System Management at National Social Security Fund

The study sought to analyse security risks and assess security vulnerabilities in the NSSF Core Fund System. The study employed descriptive survey design while the study population was 314 staff working at head office of NSSF. In addition to that, purposive and sampling techniques were used to select 89 who were members of sample size. In addition to that questionnaire and interview were used to solicit data from the respondents while data were analysed using descriptive and content analysis. The study found that security risks and vulnerabilities associated with the core fund system included cyber-attacks, disclosure of sensitive data and hardware failure, others said viruses, internal security threats and internal accidental threats. In the similar case, some said system administration errors. The study also indicated that existence of information security risks had been in different period of time depending on the type of such information security risks. The study concluded that enhancing information security in the Core Fund System utilized by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is crucial for safeguarding the data of both the staff and customers. This can be achieved by regularly updating the records of customers and staff members to ensure their information remains reliable. The increasing reliance on computers, mobile devices, and digitalization of business operations necessitates a knowledgeable manager who understands the vulnerabilities and threats to data and information assets. Such a manager can then develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect the organization's data and assets. The study recommended that it is important for organizations to continue providing training to their staff regarding security policies and guidelines for information systems. This will help raise awareness about security risks and allow for the evaluation of vulnerabilities in the NSSF Core Fund System. As a result, it is necessary to establish standards and guidelines that promote the adoption of best practices in information security, ultimately achieving a satisfactory and sufficient level of security.

Biden Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review: Analysis and Assessment

ABSTRACT The Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) by the Biden Administration was published in October 2022. What is its focus and how should we evaluate it? How is it different from previous administrations? Does the NPR reflect Biden’s proactive statements before its publication? This article introduces and examines pressing issues of the international security environment and threat perceptions, nuclear deterrence, declaratory policy, arms control, and nuclear capability as reflected in the NPR. Analysis is presented from two aspects, military and diplomacy, as the NPR emphasizes to “put diplomacy first”. The military aspects of the NPR, to strengthen and modernize nuclear deterrence as the main role of nuclear weapons, is strongly emphasized. On the other hand, diplomatic aspects of the NPR are narrowly and superficially treated, and it does not include proactive proposals. Future NPRs should include military and diplomatic positions more equally.

Sustainable Internal Security in Nigeria: Any Role for International Human Rights Law?

Abstract Since Nigeria’s restoration to democracy in 1999, the country has never faced the same level of internal security threat as it does now, including threats from Boko Haram rebels, herdsmen and bandits. This paper argued that the problem of internal insecurity in Nigeria is a symptom of a failed state and that this can be remedied by the adoption of the concept of new approach to security in international law which essentially entails enthroning a regime of human rights protection in the country. The paper discovered that in Nigeria the number of human rights recognised in each generation of rights is not exhaustive enough. The paper further found, among other things, that Nigeria’s Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rule, 2009 does not give effect to internationally-recognized Rights that are uncaptured or weakly captured in Nigeria’s municipal law. The paper utilised the doctrinal methodology.

Cloud Security And Electronic Transaction Security:

The insecurity of cloud leads to loss or exposure of vital information thereby threatens online transactions. These unfortunate happenings resulted in financial loss, reduced patronage of cloud services and investment diversions. Therefore, this chapter assesses cloud security and electronic transaction security. The chapter adopts qualitative research method, data were sourced secondarily through content analysis of edited books, peer-reviewed journals and credible online resources. It was descriptive in nature and thematically analyzed. The paper anchors on routine activity theory and broken windows theory. Findings revealed that cloud activities are under internal security threats of the cloud service providers and external threats of other users of cloud services. The chapter recommends proper background checks for the staff of the cloud service providers, public enlightenment on cloud security protocols. This chapter will be useful to individuals, cloud services providers, NGOs and researchers in the field of online crimes.

Nature of International Maritime Security Threats in Nigeria Coastal Waters and Economic Development: Delta and Rivers States in Perspective

The nature of international maritime security threats in Nigeria coastal waters has huge implications for economic development of Rivers and Delta States because of the geostrategic position of the states in international trade. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of international maritime security threats in Nigeria coastal waters affecting poverty and unemployment levels in Delta and Rivers States. This paper was built around the neo-functionalist integration theory of multilateralism paradigm at systemic level of analysis. The sample size of the study was 385 respondents drawn from a population of 9,925 people comprising of staff from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in Delta and Rivers States. The population of the study equally includes staff drawn from Togolese, Benin republic and Senegalese embassies Abuja as well as operators of shipping businesses, fishing groups and oil servicing firms in Warri, Port Harcourt, Oporoza and Bonny. Primary data were collected from close-ended and open-ended questionnaire and in-depth interview involving 15 experts. Also, data were collected from secondary source. Data from questionnaire were analysed using simple percentages and absolute frequencies, while data from in-depth interview were analysed using narrative analytic technique. Data from secondary source were analysed using relational-content analysis. Findings showed that the nature of international maritime security threats in Nigerian coastal waters hinders economic development of Delta and Rivers States and trans-border cooperation among littoral states as well as poverty alleviation in the coastal areas are among the strategies for mitigating international maritime security threats affecting economic development in Delta and Rivers States. Among other things, it was recommended that the littoral states should urgently form joint maritime security taskforce for eliminating all threats from the crimes hindering economic development of Delta and Rivers States.

Impact of International Maritime Security Threats on Economic Development of Coastal Areas in Delta and Rivers States

With pervasive international maritime security threats in the region, especially sea piracy and oil theft, Nigeria loses huge sums of money in export revenues and this reverberates on the wellbeing of residents of coastal areas whose major means of livelihood depends on the maritime sector. The purpose of this paper was to assess the impact of international maritime security threats on economic development in coastal areas of Delta and Rivers States with particular reference to unemployment and poverty levels in the areas. This paper is built around the structural conflict theory of Marxism paradigm at state-level of analysis, which is vital in the understanding of how international maritime security is related to the exploitative nature of the capitalist system, which enabled economically advanced countries to buy cheap stolen crude oil from coastal areas in Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 385 respondents drawn from a population of 9,925 people comprising of staff from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in delta and Rivers States. The population of the study equally includes staff drawn from Togolese, Benin republic and Senegalese embassies Abuja as well as operators of shipping businesses, fishing groups and oil servicing firms in Warri, Port Harcourt, Oporoza and Bonny. Primary data were collected from close-ended and open-ended questionnaire and in-depth interview. Also, data were collected from secondary source. Data from questionnaire were analysed using simple percentages and absolute frequencies, while data from in-depth interview were analysed using narrative analytic technique. Data from secondary source were analysed using relational-content analysis. Findings showed that international maritime security threats in Nigeria maritime domain increases poverty and unemployment levels in coastal areas of Delta and Rivers States as well as transnational cooperation as well as collaboration are among the effective measures in combating negative impacts of international maritime security threats in Nigeria coastal waters on coastal areas in delta and Rivers States. Among other things, it was recommended that the federal government should urgently activate the use of relevant international instruments for combating sea piracy and oil theft in the coastal areas in Rivers and Delta States for enhanced economic development.

New Management Standard for Digital Data Protection Using A PDCA Model Anchored to ISO/IEC 27001 and R.A. 10173

ICT security has proven to be important in any organization in dealing with digital data. In implementing data protection, there are several challenges that an organization may encounter such as employee’s lack of awareness and education, cybersecurity threats, data breaches, lack of technical infrastructure, and limited resources. To combat internal security threats and encourage employees' security habits every agency, in the different sectors of the government must practice and promote data protection awareness against cybercrimes. To improve the security posture of every public or private organization in the Philippines. This study looked at a newly suggested security management standard that offers a thorough framework for detecting and evaluating risks to ICT (information and communication technology) systems and applications. The proposed standard strongly emphasizes the necessity of ongoing security control monitoring and assessment, frequent recovery plan testing and evaluation, and compliance with the PDCA Model anchored to the ISO/IEC 27001 standard and the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The study examined the suggested standard's main aspects and potential business advantages, including security, compliance, and stakeholder coordination and communication as well as emphasized the difficulties in implementing the suggested standard, including the requirement for significant resources and knowledge. The proposed standard also provides a common language for communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including I.T. staff, business leaders, and external partners. This can help promote a security culture and ensure everyone in the organization works together towards a common goal.

Catastrophes provoquées par la nature et implication des forces armées : Exploration d'un cadre de collaboration civilo-militaire

Nature-triggered disasters have been causing havoc in Canada over the past decade. Although many of these hazards cannot be prevented (e.g., earthquakes), their impacts can be managed through judicious planning and by mobilizing national resources. Considering the relentless force of nature and the degree of anticipation and preparedness needed, Canadian civil and military institutions must synergize to optimally utilize human capital, knowledge, and financial resources. Both the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and civil society actors have emphasized the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity and reliance on the armed forces for disaster response. As such, frequent involvement in domestic responses diverts the CAF’s focus away from national and international security threats, underscoring a serious national concern. Against this backdrop, the present paper analyzes existing civil-military cooperative models in Disaster Management in Canada and the USA. Three objectives are set: a) to explore the armed forces’ main tenets and approaches to disaster and emergency management, b) to find similarities and differences in institutional and resource priorities (before and during the onset of extreme nature-triggered events), and c) to identify the best collaborative practices and modes of operation of stakeholders involved. Using a case study approach, a desktop review of policy papers and an event database for two large-scale disasters: one in the United States (Hurricane Katrina in 2005) and one in Canada (the 1997 Red River flood in Manitoba) was carried out. The results offered the following major findings: a) organizational and cultural differences between the civil and military authorities in both countries drive the nature of disaster management; b) centralization vs. resource decentralization has remained the key factor in speeding up disaster response; c) political and legal scope and limitations in civil-military cooperation are often blurred; and d) the sole application of the Command, Control, and Communication (C3) approach becomes problematic when a multi-stakeholder approach is preferred for disaster management.