Abstract:
Security threats are constantly evolving in various computerized systems. As in many
other systems, security threats and attacks have been directed to Students Academic
Information System (SAIS) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The seven steps
cyber kill chain model offers preventive defense against such security threats. Little is
known, however, on how well the model is applicable in the protection of SAIS. This
study was therefore carried out to investigate the applicability of the cyber kill chain
model on the protection of SAIS. The study was qualitative in which empirical evidence
from literature was employed to gather data which were then analysed thematically
through content analysis. Results showed that the cyber kill chain model is very relevant
and applicable in the protection of SAIS. Each of the seven steps of the model practically
applies differently in SAIS which entails for distinct protective measures as detailed in
the paper. The study calls upon HEIs stakeholders to leverage the proposed preventive
measures against security threats in SAIS.
