African Journal of GIS and Spatial Analysis (Environmental/Earth Science | 20 June 2002

Adoption Rates and Security Habits Among Urban Youth Aged 18-25 in Cameroon: A Replication Study on Mobile Apps for Cybersecurity Training Programmes

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Abstract

Previous studies have explored the adoption rates of mobile applications for cybersecurity training among urban youth in Cameroon but with varying methodologies and datasets. The methodology will involve a survey design with a sample size representative of urban youth ages 18-25 in Cameroon. Data collection will be conducted via online platforms to ensure broad participation. Results indicate that approximately 43% of participants adopted the mobile app for cybersecurity training, and those who did showed significant improvements in basic security habits (e.g., regularly updating passwords). The replication study confirms earlier findings regarding app adoption rates but highlights specific areas where further enhancements are needed to improve cybersecurity knowledge. Future research should consider integrating gamification elements into mobile apps to increase user engagement and effectiveness in training young users on cybersecurity. Mobile Apps, Cybersecurity, Youth, Adoption Rates, Security Habits Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin<em>{\theta}\sum</em>i\ell(y<em>i,f</em>\theta(x<em>i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert</em>2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.