Browsing by Author "Mustapha,athuman"

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    Cybersecurity framework for e-waste disposal in tanzanian public institutions
    (NM-AIST, 2025-08) Mustapha,athuman
    The proliferation of electronic devices in Tanzanian public institutions has increased electronic waste (e-waste), posing cybersecurity risks due to improper disposal. Despite increased digitization in Tanzanian public institutions, there remain critical gaps in the secure disposal of electronic waste. Current practices often lack integration between IT asset lifecycle management and appropriate data sanitization protocols tailored to institutional contexts, resulting in heightened risks of sensitive data exposure during device disposal. This research aimed to investigate e-waste disposal practices, identify vulnerabilities, and develop a cybersecurity framework for e-waste disposal. Conducted in Tanzania, the study employed mostly qualitative methods with semi-structured interviews and focus groups to gather data from IT personnel, e-waste officers, and policymakers from 11 public institutions, and quantitative surveys for validation. Thematic analysis, guided by Routine Activities Theory, revealed inconsistent regulations, reliance on ad hoc disposal (e.g., auctions), and inadequate data sanitization, leaving sensitive data vulnerable. The Cybersecurity Framework for E-Waste Disposal (CFED) was developed, integrating IT Asset Management with risk-based sanitization protocols (e.g., cryptographic erasure for high-sensitivity devices). Validated by 15 experts (86.7% feasibility), the CFED aligns with NIST SP 800-88 and GDPR. Recommendations include policy reforms, CFED adoption, and capacity-building. This study bridges cybersecurity and e-waste management gaps, offering a scalable solution for resource-limited settings, with future work exploring broader implementation.