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.