Malware, Data Theft and Emotional Distress as Risk Factors of Phishing in Nigeria

Authors

Keywords:

Cybersecurity, Data Theft, Emotional Distress, Phishing Attacks, Social Media

Abstract

This study investigates malware, data theft, and emotional distress as risk factors contributing to phishing vulnerability among Nigerian internet users. Data were collected from 2,016 participants through purposive and convenience sampling, using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. The analyses focused on platform exposure, behavioural patterns, and sociodemographic predictors of emotional reactions to phishing incidents. Findings revealed that phishing threats vary across social media, with Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook being most affected. Emotional distress is highest when users experience real consequences, while overconfidence and exposure fatigue reduce vigilance. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, education, and occupation significantly predict emotional reactions to attacks. It is therefore recommended that phishing prevention in Nigeria requires joint efforts from various agencies, associations, and the Ministry of Health to implement cybersecurity education, block threats in real time, train self-employed users, provide emotional support, and involve technology companies in user protection through reporting systems, safety tools, and targeted awareness initiatives.

Author Biographies

  • Lateef Junior Adeyemo, Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

    Lateef Junior Adeyemo is a PhD (Criminology) candidate at the Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan. He holds a BSc in Sociology & Anthropology from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master's degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, and an MSc in Sociology (Criminology) from the University of Ibadan. His research interests span environmental criminology, cybercrime, and
    digital diplomacy, with a particular focus on the intersection of crime, conflict, and the broader
    societal structures that shape them.

  • Isaiah Oden David, Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

    Isaiah Oden DAVID is a PhD student in Demography and Population Studies at the University of Ibadan. He holds a BSc in Sociology from the University of Calabar and an MSc in Demography and Population Studies from the University of Ibadan. His research interests include reproductive and family health, gender rights, hygiene and sanitation, labour and work, fertility patterns, population dynamics, crime and delinquency and the intersection of demographic change with social development in Nigeria.

  • Tirimisiyu Yemi Olabulo, Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

    Tirimisiyu Yemi OLABULO holds BSc and MSc degrees in Sociology (Criminology) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy, both at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences,University of Ibadan, Nigeria.His research interests encompass policy and practice evaluation, social justice, and criminology, with specific focus on application of Sociological insights to policy analysis and broader social issues.

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IJCJ, E-Palli Publishers

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Published

2025-09-16

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): International Journal of Criminology & Justice

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Lateef Junior Adeyemo, Isaiah Oden David, Tirimisiyu Yemi Olabulo

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Adeyemo , L. J., David, I. O., & Olabulo, T. Y. (2025). Malware, Data Theft and Emotional Distress as Risk Factors of Phishing in Nigeria. International Journal of Criminology & Justice, 1(1), 10-20. https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ijcj/article/view/4929