Evaluating Online Security Behavior: Development and Validation of a Personal Cybersecurity Awareness Scale for University Students
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: As the digital age permeates higher education, the cybersecurity awareness of university students has emerged as a pressing concern. This study examines the behavioral factors influencing students’ cybersecurity practices, developing a robust, empirically validated survey. Our research applies a comprehensive framework employing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA; CFA) to affirm the survey’s ability to capture the intricate dimensions of students’ cybersecurity awareness. A structural equation model (SEM) has been developed to delineate and scrutinize five key dimensions of cybersecurity behaviors within the student body. Post-validation, we utilized this model to conduct a thorough comparative analysis of cybersecurity behaviors among members of the varied student demographic that participated in the survey. The investigation included an examination of behavior across genders, age groups, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, shedding light on the diverse cybersecurity behaviors that define the modern student experience. Our research ultimately strives to contribute to the enhancement of digital security in educational environments, aligning student online practices with robust security measures and nurturing a cybersecurity-aware culture in academia.
Source: Education Sciences
Authors: László Bognár, László Bottyán
Institutions: University of Dunaújváros, University of Pecs
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,046
OpenAlex ID: W4399155135