An Assessment of Cybersecurity Challenges in Digital Real Estate Transactions in Niger State
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Background of the Study
The digitalization of real estate transactions has revolutionized the industry, offering efficiency, convenience, and broader access to properties for both buyers and sellers. However, this transition has brought significant challenges, particularly concerning cybersecurity. As transactions increasingly rely on online platforms, they are exposed to potential risks such as hacking, data breaches, and fraud. The real estate sector, which traditionally deals with high-value assets, is particularly vulnerable to these digital threats (Smith, 2023). In Niger State, a growing trend towards digital platforms for property transactions has emerged, making the region susceptible to these cybersecurity challenges. The real estate industry in Niger State has gradually adopted digital systems for property listings, legal documentation, and payment processing. These platforms, however, lack robust cybersecurity measures, making them targets for cybercriminals who exploit weaknesses in digital infrastructure (Johnson & Patel, 2024).
Studies have highlighted the importance of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of real estate transactions (Chavez et al., 2023). Despite these concerns, research on the specific cybersecurity challenges in digital real estate transactions in Niger State remains limited. This study will contribute to the understanding of the cybersecurity risks associated with these transactions and explore effective strategies for addressing these issues. In Niger State, where there is an increasing reliance on mobile phones and internet access for property transactions, the lack of awareness and inadequate security measures leave both buyers and sellers at risk of cyber threats (Bello, 2025). The need for robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect real estate stakeholders from fraud, identity theft, and transaction manipulation is urgent and critical for the continued growth of the sector.
Statement of the Problem
Digital real estate transactions in Niger State have become more common, but they are plagued by numerous cybersecurity challenges. These challenges include phishing attacks, data breaches, fraudulent transactions, and inadequate encryption techniques (Ajayi & Ismail, 2024). The failure to secure personal and financial information in online property deals threatens the credibility of digital platforms and erodes trust among users. While the benefits of digitalizing property transactions are clear, without addressing cybersecurity risks, these platforms cannot sustain long-term growth or attract mainstream users. Furthermore, stakeholders, including real estate agents, buyers, and regulatory bodies, lack proper cybersecurity awareness and the tools needed to mitigate risks. Cybersecurity strategies tailored to the local context of Niger State are absent, with most solutions being generalized or borrowed from other regions, failing to address unique regional vulnerabilities (Yusuf & Adamu, 2023).
The lack of specific regulatory frameworks for digital property transactions and the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms also contribute to the problem. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of mobile platforms, which are often less secure than traditional desktop-based platforms, exacerbates the risk of cyber threats (Salami & Olajide, 2025). There is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of cybersecurity vulnerabilities on the real estate industry in Niger State, thus hindering the development of effective solutions and policies.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the current cybersecurity challenges facing digital real estate transactions in Niger State.
- To identify the implications of these cybersecurity challenges on stakeholders in the real estate sector.
- To propose strategies for mitigating cybersecurity risks in digital real estate transactions in Niger State.
Research Questions
- What are the main cybersecurity challenges faced by stakeholders in digital real estate transactions in Niger State?
- How do cybersecurity challenges affect the security and integrity of digital real estate transactions in Niger State?
- What strategies can be implemented to mitigate cybersecurity risks in digital real estate transactions in Niger State?
Research Hypotheses
- Cybersecurity challenges significantly hinder the adoption of digital real estate transactions in Niger State.
- There is a significant relationship between the level of cybersecurity awareness and the frequency of cybersecurity incidents in digital real estate transactions in Niger State.
- Implementing stronger cybersecurity measures will significantly reduce the risks associated with digital real estate transactions in Niger State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on assessing cybersecurity challenges in digital real estate transactions specifically in Niger State, Nigeria. It is limited to stakeholders in the real estate sector who use digital platforms for property listings, transactions, and legal documentation. The research will not cover broader cybersecurity issues unrelated to the real estate sector. One limitation of the study is the lack of comprehensive data from real estate agencies in Niger State, as some may be reluctant to share detailed information due to confidentiality concerns. Additionally, technological constraints and differences in access to digital platforms across regions within Niger State could limit the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
- Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage.
- Digital Real Estate Transactions: The process of buying, selling, or leasing property using digital platforms, including online property listings, e-signatures, and electronic payments.
- Phishing: A form of cyber attack in which attackers deceive users into revealing sensitive information through fraudulent emails or websites.
Data Breach: The unauthorized access and disclosure of confidential information.
