An Energy-Efficient Based Secure IOT Data Transfer with Hashed Data Access Policy Using ACROT-DHSKECC and LSCRC32

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in healthcare has amplified the need for secure, efficient, and scalable data transmission frameworks. This study proposes an energy-aware and secure IoT-based data transmission architecture tailored for remote healthcare monitoring systems. Unlike conventional encryption-centric models, the proposed framework integrates lightweight double encryption (ACROT-DHSKECC) and hashed access control (LSCRC32) with optimised network path selection using clustering and Grasshopper Optimisation Algorithm (GOA). This integration reduces latency, enhances node-level energy efficiency, and secures data transmission over distributed networks. The system’s design aligns with next-generation telecom infrastructure, making it well-suited for deployment in 5G-enabled smart healthcare environments. Simulation results demonstrate reduced hash generation time, lower memory usage, and enhanced encryption performance, affirming its viability for secure data delivery in modern digital health ecosystems.

A Lightweight Zero-Trust Architecture Implementation for Enhancing Cybersecurity in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Confronted by resource limitations and sophisticated cyber threats, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) require tailored cybersecurity solutions. This research introduces and validates a Lightweight Zero-Trust Architecture (LZTA) specifically designed for SMEs. The proposed LZTA effectively integrates contextual access verification, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control to ensure robust security without imposing excessive costs. Crucially, rigorous benchmarking demonstrated that the LZTA manages high-concurrency loads while significantly outperforming conventional and open-source Zero-Trust baselines in both response time and throughput. This work delivers a practical and high-performance blueprint for SMEs to adopt Zero-Trust principles, effectively balancing robust security with the operational constraints of smaller organisations.

The Impact of 5G on Business Models for Mobile Operators in Emerging Markets

The advent of 5G wireless technologies has created new opportunities and challenges for mobile operators in emerging markets. However, the disruptive nature of 5G networks is likely to transform existing value chains and impact the current mobile operator-centric ecosystem, rendering traditional business models inadequate. The introduction of 5G networks therefore requires the adoption of new business models or the reconfiguration of existing ones to ensure that mobile operators can achieve both economic value and technological innovation in a sustainable way. This study investigates the factors that impact business models of mobile operators in emerging markets as a result of 5G deployment. The study was conducted using the qualitative research method by adopting an interpretivist research philosophy. Primary data was collected inductively through a case study approach with 10 semi-structured online interviews conducted in 8 emerging markets in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The results show that when 5G is commercially deployed, several aspects, including internal, external and hybrid factors impact the business models of mobile operators.

Human and organisational factors influencing the preparedness of small and medium-sized enterprises against cyber-attacks in developing countries

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly susceptible to cyber-attacks, which can have considerable ramifications for both the organisation and the global economy. These include, for example, phishing, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, malware and Trojans. Notwithstanding the latent nature of the problem, there remains a research gap in the study of cyber-attacks among organisations. The objective of this research is to examine the factors that influence the occurrence of cyber-attacks on SMEs in a developing country. To this end, a quantitative study was conducted. A total of 112 surveys were collected and analysed using SmartPLS 4 software, with the aid of a Partial Least Squares PLS-SEM proposed and developed. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of SMEs, 33%, have experienced a cyber-attack. Furthermore, the study identified the two most significant factors influencing cyber-attacks on SMEs: human talent and resources. Furthermore, the study emphasised the importance of cyber awareness, supplier relationships and organisational cybersecurity preparedness. These findings have practical implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the education sector, and the closing of the research gap concerning cyber-attacks in these organisations. This study makes a contribution to existing knowledge about the information security challenges faced by small businesses in emerging economies.

Digital Governance Through Self-Regulation

User-centric development of digital applications must integrate user feedback, developer channels, and regulatory compliance, yet lacks a standardised framework. The rapid rise of AI exacerbates auditing and governance challenges, with self-regulation prevailing but requiring scrutiny of user and developer concerns. This paper analyses the top 10 AI chatbot apps on Google Play Store via a three-prong approach. First, sentiment analysis of 117,353 user reviews using two algorithms reveals sentiments on policy and governance. Second, evaluation of 15 preset developer compliance parameters shows self-declared adherence. Third, comparative results indicate only 69% compliance, despite these apps' high popularity and downloads. Users prioritise experience quality, while developers emphasise service quality. The study exposes self-regulation gaps in AI chatbots, advocating for a standard compliance score on app stores and enhanced citizen digital awareness to bridge divides.

Comments on the Two Historical Reprints in Automation of Directory Assistance

This paper is a comment on the background to the two historical papers reproduced in “Automation of Directory Assistance” in this issue. The experience of this author is that, despite a rapid decline in the service quality and mounting operating costs, Telecom was slow to act on automation of the Directory Assistance Service, did not fully exploit the advantages of the automated system, and provided a Directory Assistance Service that was clearly inferior to world’s best practice. Some benchmarking results are provided as evidence.