CYBER-HACKING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN UYO URBAN, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Background: The increasing internet penetration and growing reliance on digital platforms for banking, commerce, and record-keeping in Uyo Urban, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have exposed residents and business operators to a wide range of cyber-hacking threats, including account takeovers and large-scale data breaches.  Purpose: This study examined the effects of cyber-hacking on socio-economic activities in Uyo Urban.  Methods: Anchored on Routine Activity Theory and General Strain Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 400 respondents was selected from Uyo Urban using the Taro Yamane formula and a multi-stage sampling technique involving cluster, stratified, and simple random sampling. Data on cybercrime victimisation and socio-economic impact were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Simple Linear Regression in SPSS Version 25.  Results: Findings revealed that cyber-hacking had the strongest effect on financial transactions (Mean = 3.73), and the least effect on loss of customers, though still above average (Mean range = 2.53–2.96). Regression results indicated a strong and statistically significant negative relationship between cyber-hacking and socio-economic activities (R = .955; R² = .912; F(1, 382) = 3952.9; p < .05). A unit increase in hacking activities was associated with a 0.986 unit decrease in socio-economic activities.  Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that cyber-hacking is not merely a criminal act but a structural impediment to digital and economic development in Uyo. It recommends a subsidized cybersecurity audit program for small and medium enterprises, mandatory security upgrades, and enhanced collaboration among tech hubs, universities, and government.