On the factors of students' cybersecurity behavior

Abstract

The article is an exploratory research on the security awareness of university students in the light of various sociodemographic factors. Information technology, and information security in particular, plays a critical role in this context. Awareness is a fundamental component of security preparedness because it empowers individuals to recognize and respond to security threats and fosters a security culture. By educating students and teachers about the importance of security and best practices, educational organizations can significantly enhance their overall security posture. The article points out that raising awareness of information security is not a simple task and requires a systematic approach. In this respect, education has both the potential and the responsibility to develop an information security mindset. The results of the article show that although the average response value of 3.735 suggests a security-aware attitude, the significant difference between the minimum and maximum values indicates a high variability. Looking in more detail at information security factors, the article reveals that law students are more cautious about protecting personal data, while IT and engineering students are more open to online banking and shopping.