Security and Software for Cybercafes

Cybercafes, which are places where Internet access is provided for a fee, provide the opportunity for people without access to the Internet or who are traveling to access web mail and instant messages, read newspapers and explore other resources of the Net (Adomi, 2005; Adomi, 2007; Adomi, Okiy, and Ruteyan, 2003; Adomi, Omodeko, and Otolo, 2004). As noted by Stewart (2000) the explosion in the use and profile of the Internet and personal use of new information and communications technology – multimedia – has made cybercafes to becomes part of contemporary culture, established among the public places of modern cities, towns and villages around the world.

In the contemporary era, it is very difficult to think of an urban area that is not connected with the Internet especially for people who use the medium for routine communication, transactions, etc. A cybercafes facilities access to the Internet through computers in a relaxed atmosphere for people belonging to different age groups and having diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Cybercafes are often not selective about the clientele and satisfying users’ varying needs for example, besides providing Internet, consultation and publishing some serve food and liquor. In some areas, cybercafes have become a preferred gathering place for the people of different ages, income and level of computer knowledge and skills (Rathore and Alhabshi, 2005).

It should be noted that cybercafe is not a transitory phenomenon but the evolution an extension of an old and traditional institution, the café. Cybercafes may service and reflect the communication and information needs of people living in a global society, but they place this in a local context through provision of a social space and a convenient and hospitable location for technology access (Stewart, 2000).

Though cybercafes have been used as places for facilitating, e-communication and socialization in different parts of the world, they like other Internet based organizations experience “local” security problems and can be used as avenues to caused / launch security breaches / attacks to others (individuals and organizations) that are connected to the Internet. Whenever computers are connected to the Internet, they are exposed to attacks from intruders (Liverpool John Mores University, 2007). This is because the technology user group had changed from one consisting mainly of researchers and academics which has resulted in a shift from the desired results of improving economics to increase in the risk of using information technology as well (Rudasill and Moyer, 2004). Cybercafes can experience systems / network security breaches such as cracking, hacking, virus, worms etc. (see for example, chapter one of this book, by Lawan Mohammed), security breaches can cause computers and network malfunction and even breakdown of the systems and network of an affected cybercafe. Security is a key factor for organizations when adopting web services in their mission critical business transactions. Without taking cares of security, enterprises like cybercafes could not use web services in the insecure Internet environment (Rosado, Gutierrez, Fernandez-Medina and Piattini, 2006). The Internet has become increasingly complex, leaving many organizations vulnerable to malicious attacks. Organizations are therefore faced with trying to protect their infrastructure against network security attacks, as well as attacks that are specific to the security layer (F5 Networks Inc, 2004).

Cybercafes are set up in order for the entrepreneurs to make money and to enable their clients to access the Net. When security breaches occur in the cafes, this could lead to dissatisfaction of clients which eventually may affect income especially if measures are not taken to correct such breaches quickly. It would even be better for cybercafes to put security measure in place to prevent occurrence of breaches. Installation of antivirus software, firewall etc. could assist cybercafes to prevent occurrence of network attacks. Knowledge of network security would also enhance cybercafe security as it has been found that few café personnel know little about hacking / Internet security (ApiAP, 2005).

Apart from cybercafes being potential victims of cyber attcka, cybercafe can be used by cyber criminals to launch attacks on individuals and organizations. Criminals can explore the anonymity provided by cybercafes to commit cyber defamation, terrorism, hacking, etc. (Gruenwald, 2001). In order to stem the activities of cyber criminals who use cybercafes to carry out their negative acts, governments of some countries have taken steps to regulate the operations of cafes within their jurisdictions (Gruenwald,2001; Hong Kong Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, 2002; Glaser, 2003; Rathore and Alhabshi, 2005). The regulations include requiring cybercafes to install software filters to block some sites, compelling clients to show identity cards among others. Several cafes have been raided and even closed down for failing to comply with government orders. While restrictions on and closure of cybercafes may hamper Internet access for some users in the short term, such moves have not been able to hurt cafes popularity down the road (Gruenwald, 2001).

Software which is the detailed instrument that controls the operation of the computer system (Laudon and Laudon, 2001) is very crucial to the smooth and successful operations of computers that are connected to the Internet. Software is a necessary requirement in a cybecafe. As noted by Ajewole in chapter two of this book, it is essential to install necessary software in a café because the demands of the typical cybercafe user are numerous, that besides the basic software usually bundled with operating systems, there are other software required to make customers visit to a café a successful one. A cybercafe operator needs to install software that should ensure the smooth operation and management of the systems, network, and enhance client satisfaction.

The objective of this book is to