COMPUTER SECURITY IN COMPUTER LITERACY EDUCATION

Abstract

Computers are a pervasive part of society, even more so on college campuses. Among other skills, it is important that students have a base of understanding related to computer networking and security in order to protect themselves from online threats. Students who study for and pass tests that show their understanding of these topics appear to have a lower rate of computer security related issues. Since user education does appear to be an effective tool in affecting computer security practices, and security threats seem to be getting worse all the time, it is worth the effort to focus more energy on teaching network and security basics to all undergraduate students in both technical and non-technical majors as part of their degree programs. Given that security issues affect full time faculty and staff at the university, in addition to students, it is recommended that the computer security training developed for students be extended to all university employees.