Abstract:
This study sought to investigate data security and protection during the national SIM card registration exercise within the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. The theory underpinning the study was the protection motivation theory. The study employed the multi-case study approach under the qualitative method. Data was collected from nine participants; 3 network provider officials and 6 SIM registration subscribers with an open-ended questionnaire and also from additional secondary sources. The data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis. The study found that the processes that the respondents narrated were largely consistent with the laid down SIM registration procedures, respondents had divergent concerns about data safety and security and it was also realized that the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) is responsible for storing and securing user data. The study recommends that the government and respective agencies involved in the SIM registration process do well to educate the public on the importance of the SIM registration exercise to ensure maximum cooperation and also launch a mobile application for which SIM registration can be completed in the comfort of user’s homes without any human interface to ensure maximum data privacy and security
