Barriers to cyber hygiene in hybrid work environments : a case study of a Lesotho development parastatal

Abstract

This study’s objective is to investigate the barriers to maintaining effective cyber hygiene in hybrid work environments, focusing on a case study within a development parastatal in Lesotho. The shift to hybrid work models, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced new vulnerabilities in cybersecurity, particularly regarding remote work. Utilizing qualitative, research through interviews with IT specialists, managers, and end-users, the study identifies key barriers confirming themes found in literature affecting cyber hygiene in companies namely, user characteristics (such as awareness and attitude),environmental support (awareness and training, policies, leadership, ICT support) and environmental characteristics (organisational culture, poor infrastructure). It is shown that the developing country context of the parastatal exacerbate these barriers.