Sadan, Huma Habib (2025) Cybersecurity in the era of emerging technologies in accounting and finance: Towards an innovative integrated strategic framework. PhD thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Background The rapid digitalisation of accounting and finance systems has revolutionised how financial data is recorded, processed, and safeguarded. However, this transformation has simultaneously heightened exposure to sophisticated cyber threats. As organisations transition toward cloud-based infrastructures and AI-assisted accounting platforms, the need for resilient, technology-integrated cybersecurity frameworks has become increasingly critical. Present Literature Review Research Existing studies across accounting and information systems emphasise emerging technologies, Blockchain for immutability, Quantum Computing for cryptographic resilience, Machine Learning for anomaly detection, and Game Theory for strategic defence. However, most prior research examines these technologies in isolation, lacking integration into a unified cybersecurity framework tailored to accounting and finance. This fragmentation limits the current literature's ability to address multi-layered cyber risks within digital accounting ecosystems. Limitations of the Existing Literature Review While previous literature establishes the technical potential of each technology, it often omits a comprehensive linkage between cybersecurity mechanisms and accounting governance. Studies rarely assess the empirical performance of fraud detection within accounting datasets or explainability for audit compliance. Additionally, little attention has been paid to how these technologies can coexist under a single architecture that enhances transparency, regulatory assurance, and strategic cyber resilience. Aim and Objectives This doctoral research aims to develop a multidisciplinary cybersecurity framework that strengthens the integrity, confidentiality, and resilience of accounting and finance information systems. It integrates four transformative technologies: the first is Blockchain, the next is Quantum Computing, the third is Machine Learning, and the last is Game Theory, into a cohesive model termed the BQMG-AIS Framework (Blockchain, Quantum, Machine Learning, and Game Theory integrated with Accounting Information Systems). Methodology A multi-method approach combining systematic literature review, conceptual modelling, and empirical analysis was adopted. Empirically, three benchmark datasets, the first one European Credit Card Fraud, the second is the IEEE-CIS Fraud Detection, and the third the PaySim Mobile Money, were analysed using Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and XGBoost. Evaluation metrics, including AUC-ROC, precision, recall, F1-score, and SHAP interpretability, ensured transparency and auditability, which are critical to accounting governance. Findings The empirical results demonstrated high detection accuracy and interpretability, confirming the effectiveness of machine-learning models in identifying financial fraud within imbalanced datasets. The conceptual model establishes Blockchain for immutable audit trails, Quantum Computing for post-quantum cryptography, and Game Theory for strategic attacker–defender optimisation. Together, these layers form a comprehensive, multi-tiered cybersecurity framework that is validated both conceptually and empirically. Contributions This research contributes a novel, interdisciplinary cybersecurity architecture that unites technical innovation with accounting governance principles. It bridges quantitative (machine learning–based testing) and qualitative (conceptual synthesis) methodologies, offering auditors, regulators, and financial institutions a transparent, scalable, and future-ready cybersecurity solution aligned with Accounting Information Systems. Conclusion Future accounting systems must be both technologically advanced and strategically intelligent, capable of defending against evolving cyber threats while maintaining transparency, compliance, and trust. The BQMG-AIS Framework advances the domain of accounting cybersecurity by uniting Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning, and Game Theory into a cohesive, auditable, and post-quantum-ready cybersecurity model for the digital finance era.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login