Cybersecurity and Forensics as Tools for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Uruan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Poverty and lack of access to quality education remain pressing issues in many rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in Uruan Local Government Area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State. These challenges, combined with poor infrastructure and rising digital connectivity, expose vulnerable populations to exploitation and cybercrime. This paper explores how cybersecurity and digital forensics can serve as tools not only for combating cybercrime but also for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Drawing on publicly available socio-economic data and national reports, the study identifies poverty, school dropouts, and teenage pregnancies as interconnected drivers of underdevelopment in Uruan. It argues that strategic investment in cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, and forensic technology can create safer digital spaces, foster youth empowerment, and open new economic opportunities. The findings emphasize that tackling poverty and cybercrime together is vital for achieving Nigeria’s sustainable development goals and contributing to global digital security.