Assessment of cybersecurity and privacy awareness among students in higher learning institutions

This research investigates the level of cybersecurity and privacy awareness among non-computer science students at a higher learning institution. Given the increasing reliance on digital technologies and the escalating prevalence of cyber threats, it is crucial to assess and enhance students' understanding of these critical issues. The study focuses on students from the Diploma in Science and Office Management programs at UiTM Sarawak, representing a demographic that may not receive extensive cybersecurity education as part of their curriculum. The findings of this study aim to provide insights into the current state of cybersecurity and privacy awareness among this population and identify areas for improvement in the institution's efforts to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape securely. The study employed a pretest-posttest design involving a sample of Diploma in Science and Office Management students at UiTM Sarawak. Participants completed a quiz assessing their knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy concepts, followed by a sharing session covering key topics such as cyberattacks, best practices, and the importance of cybersecurity. The same quiz was then re-administered to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The results indicate that while students demonstrated a relatively low level of cybersecurity and privacy awareness prior to the intervention, the educational session significantly improved their understanding of these critical issues. Data analysis revealed that the findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions in raising cybersecurity and privacy awareness among non-technical student populations. The study concludes with recommendations for developing comprehensive awareness programs tailored to the specific needs of diverse student groups within higher learning institutions.