Designing a Framework for Cyber Protection based on Unique Identification to Improve the Security of Ethiopian Social Media Users over Facebook

Abstract

Social media platforms such as Facebook, which has over 2.6 billion monthly active users, play a major role in global communication. However, Facebook users often face various security threats, including impersonation and the spread of false information. In Ethiopia, these issues have become increasingly prevalent. Therefore, it is essential to develop effective countermeasures to address and mitigate such challenges. This research aims to develop a Unique-ID-based Cyber Defense Framework designed to strengthen the security of Facebook users and prevent the creation of fake profiles and impersonation by malicious actors. This study employed an exploratory and constructive research design, utilizing surveys and in-depth interviews, to develop a Unique-ID-based Cyber Defense Framework. The proposed framework leverages Addis Ababa's Digital Residential ID to authenticate users by cross-referencing their information with a resident database. A prototype was developed and tested, with 87% of respondents accepting the solution as a positive contribution to cybersecurity. The system is designed to verify user uniqueness during Facebook account creation, thereby preventing the establishment of fake or duplicate accounts.

Keywords: Country Code, Cyber Defense, Facebook, Fake Profile, Impersonation, Unique Id, Security Threat