Factors Affecting Cybersecurity Awareness among University Students

Abstract

One of the essential stages in increasing cyber security is implementing an effective security awareness program. This work studies the present level of security knowledge among Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University college students. A module was created to assist the students in becoming more informed. The main contribution of this work is an assessment of cybersecurity awareness among the university students based on three essential aspects: password security, browser security, and social media. Numerous questions were designed and sent to them to evaluate their awareness. The current survey received as many as 450 responses with their answers. Various statistical analyses were applied to the responses, including the validity and reliability test, feasibility test of a variable, correlation test, multicollinearity test, multiple regression, and heteroskedasticity test, carried out using SPSS. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression model and coefficient of determination, a hypothesis test, ANOVA test, and a partial test using ANOVA were also carried out. The hypothesis investigated here concerns password security, browser security, and social media. The results of partial hypothesis testing using a t-test showed that the password security variable significantly affects cybersecurity awareness (p-value = 0.0001). The regression coefficient of the password security variable in the multiple linear regression model was found to have a beta value of 0.147. In addition, the browser security variable significantly affects awareness, with a p-value = 0.0001. The regression coefficient of the password security variable had a beta value of 0.188. The social media activities variable significantly affects cybersecurity awareness (p-value = 0.0001). The regression coefficient of the social media activities variable had a beta value of 0.241. Based on the research conducted, it is concluded that knowledge of password security, browser security, and social media activities significantly influences cybersecurity awareness in students. Overall, students have realized the importance of cybersecurity awareness.

Factors Affecting how University Students Comply with Cybersecurity Measures: A Case of South Africa

“…In addition, I need to always have WIFI available to ensure that I update my devices." [Respondent_student_8] When the cost of compliance is higher than they are willing and able to pay, an individual is less motivated to comply (Alqahtani, 2022;Alqahtani & Braun, 2021). The finding is consistent with the existing literature.…”

“…University students use technology and the internet for educational purposes and socialising, which became even more prevalent during the pandemic, when social distancing was encouraged (Alqahtani, 2022). As the future of the workforce, the impact of cybersecurity awareness behaviours of university students is particularly significant for society (Cheng & Wang, 2022).…”

A survey on college students’ cybersecurity awareness and education from the perspective of China

“…However, some of these studies have different objectives and directions. Alqahtani (2022) assessed ISA among university students using a quantitative research method, finding that knowledge of password security, browser security, and social media activity had a significant impact on students' ISA. Senthilkumar and Easwaramoorthy (2017) surveyed college students to investigate their level of network security awareness and believed that perfect ISA could help students better protect themselves from hacker attacks.…”

Factors affecting the perception of students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, on the issue of personal information security

“…Dữ liệu được thu thập qua khảo sát bảng hỏi với 392 sinh viên và phỏng vấn bốn sinh viên thuộc các khoa và năm học khác nhau của Trường Đại học Khoa học Xã hội và Nhân văn, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Thông qua nghiên cứu, 12 yếu tố được phát hiện có ảnh hưởng đến nhận thức về bảo mật thông tin cá nhân của sinh viên bao gồm: (1) kỹ năng sử dụng công nghệ thông tin, (2) đặc điểm tính cách, (3) thái độ, (4) sự trải nghiệm, (5) kiến thức, (6) môi trường làm việc, (7) bạn bè, (8) mạng xã hội, (9) thói quen, (10) môi trường sống, (11) trình độ học vấn, và (12) loại thông tin cá nhân hiện có. Qua đó, nghiên cứu cũng cung cấp một số đề xuất xoay quanh vấn đề nhận thức về bảo mật thông tin cá nhân của sinh viên.…”

“…Đối với yếu tố này, các mối đe dọa có thể mang lại hậu quả nghiêm trọng, gây hại cho lợi ích công cộng và khiến mọi người tiếp xúc không tự nguyện đạt điểm cao hơn trong kết quả phân tích nhân tố. 1,10 . Ngược lại, nghiên cứu của Kaur & Mustafa lại kết luận kiến thức không ảnh hưởng đến nhận thức về an toàn thông tin 6 .…”