Study of Physical Security Practices at Internet Cafes in Maiduguri, Borno State

Internet cafes remain important digital access points in Borno State's conflict-affected urban areas, and their physical and digital security practices determine the privacy and safety risks borne by users who access sensitive accounts and conduct financial transactions on shared devices. This study assessed physical and digital security practices at internet cafes in Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere Local Government Areas, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A combined observational audit and structured interview methodology was employed at 30 internet cafes. Assessments covered browser history clearing policies, keylogger presence, session isolation, private browsing availability, user guidance on security, CCTV and premises security, and user data retention practices. Results showed that browser history was cleared between users in only 40.0 percent of cafes. Keylogger malware was detected on 26.7 percent of audited machines through passive scanning. Private browsing was available and recommended to users in 20.0 percent of cafes. User guidance on security risks was provided in only 10.0 percent. CCTV cameras were installed in 53.3 percent but functional in only 36.7 percent. The study concludes that internet cafe security in Maiduguri is inadequate across physical and digital dimensions, creating significant risks for users accessing sensitive accounts. Recommendations include mandatory internet cafe registration standards, NITDA-published minimum security requirements for cybercafes, and user awareness notices at all public internet access points.

Keywords: internet cafe security, shared computing, Maiduguri, Borno State, digital access security