A Framework for Dynamic Cybersecurity Awareness (DCA) in Digital Economies

Authors

Washington Omollo, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Manoj Maharaj, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/tbc

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

Mobile financial services (MFS) expand financial inclusion in emerging economies but expose users to phishing, SIM-swap fraud, and social engineering risks inadequately addressed by static awareness programs. This study develops and empirically validates a Dynamic Cybersecurity Awareness (DCA) framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model and Protection Motivation Theory to jointly explain adoption and protective behaviour. Using a stratified survey of 1,159 Kenyan MFS users and Structural Equation Modelling, the study tests relationships among governance, training, trust, threat awareness, self-efficacy, and secure digital behaviour. Results show that trust (ß=0.286) and threat awareness (ß=0.257) exert the strongest effects on secure behaviour, while training and governance act as enabling mechanisms through self-efficacy and trust. The validated DCA framework establishes adaptive feedback loops that reinforce protective practices, offering policymakers and providers a scalable, evidence-based framework for reducing fraud and strengthening resilient digital financial ecosystems.

Keywords

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Mobile financial services, Cybersecurity awareness, Trust and self-efficacy, Fraud prevention, Adaptive secure behaviour, Digital financial inclusion

Cite this paper

W. Omollo and M. Maharaj (2026) "A Framework for Dynamic Cybersecurity Awareness (DCA) in Digital Economies", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/tbc

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