Cybersecurity Awareness Among Undergraduate Students in Enugu Nigeria

ABSTRACT:

Cybersecurity threat is an ongoing threat that has become a source of global concern in recent time. This may not be unconnected with the digital revolution which seems to have made the internet a playground for cybercriminals. The increasing rate of cybercrimes underlines the need for increased cybersecurity awareness and education among people and organizations. This study examines cybersecurity awareness among undergraduate students. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to participants that consist of undergraduate students from four selected tertiary institutions in Enugu, Nigeria. The samples were selected through simple random sampling technique, and collected data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, and statistical methods of regression and ANOVA. The results showed that most of the participants had a basic knowledge of cybersecurity threats such as; virus, spamming, phishing, Denial of Service (DOS), identity theft, SQL injection, spoofing and illegal hacking, but were unaware of how to protect themselves from cyber threats and attacks. A significant statistically relationship was also established between the participants’ knowledge of cybersecurity and their perceptions towards cybersecurity Education, and between their knowledge of cybersecurity and interests in cybersecurity education. While lack of cyber talents, time constraints, exclusion of cybersecurity in non-computing courses, poor knowledge of fundamental computing areas, lack of mentors with hands-on experiences in cybersecurity, lack of supportive infrastructures, and ignorance were identified as some of the barriers that impede cyber security education. We conclude that Cybersecurity should be integrated into school curriculums to prepare students for modern day cyber realities and to enhance their capabilities to protect themselves and others from crime and espionage on the cyber space.

Keywords: Cybersecurity, Cyber crime, Cybersecurity education, Awareness, Undergraduate, Network security, Internet.