Identifying Cybersecurity Elements for a Cybersecurity Framework in Higher Education

Abstract

The increasing cybersecurity threats to higher education institutions in Africa necessitate risk management frameworks that are resilient and sensitive to regional needs. This paper applies Modified General Morphological Analysis (MGMA) to identify essential elements for an adaptable cybersecurity framework, focusing on the African higher education context. African institutions face many challenges, like limited funding, underdeveloped digital infrastructures, and rising cyberattacks. Our proposed MGMA is a structured methodology to examine key cybersecurity dimensions: governance, policy, technical controls, capacity building, and resource allocation. This approach allows for assessing complex interrelations among these elements, aimed at practical solutions suitable for African institutions. This study focuses on risk management approaches to address the specific vulnerabilities of African higher education institutions (HEIs), such as restricted budgets, inadequate cybersecurity teams, and increasing reliance on digital systems. The study promotes collaborative efforts by creating institutional networks, sharing resources, and enhancing cybersecurity expertise across Africa. The findings will guide decision-makers in aligning cybersecurity investments with strategic institutional goals, providing a framework for protecting critical educational assets, strengthening resilience, and advancing digital infrastructure development across African higher education.