Implementation of Network and Server Security Measures in Nigeria University Libraries

Abstract

This study investigates the level of implementation of network and server security measures in federal university libraries to achieve two research objectives. Quantitative research methodology was adopted, and a survey design was used to explore the study population. 20 internet librarians were randomly selected across federal university libraries in Nigeria. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, and the data collected were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 23 to calculate the mean and standard deviation, which form the basis for discussion. The study revealed the use of antivirus software, installing firewalls in the systems, installing wireless security products, limiting connection time, separating cables to differentiate public and staff's local area networks. The study also found out that placing the server in a secure location, Installation of antivirus software on servers, regular backups for the data, and Installation of intrusion detection software and host auditing software as the main server security measures implemented in Nigeria federal university libraries. Despite the availability of information security measures in the 21 st century, librarians in Nigeria's university libraries have not fully implemented network and server security measures in protecting the library system. The study recommends that the library management should ensure full implementation of server segregation, the network is segmented with a router, and the installation of a firewall with virtual private network remote and wireless access to protect the university library network. Also, Systems Authentication, Restriction of the file system in a server, installation of firewalls, Review Server logs periodically, Hardening the library servers' operating systems (OS) and applications, and Implementation of fault tolerance should be adequately implemented by system administrators in the studied libraries to protect servers.