Investigation of Cyber Security Behaviors of University Students
Abdülkadir Karacı, Halil İbrahim Akyüz, Göksal Bilgici · 2017
Cyber security is a concept that involves the safety of information resources and the protection of all kinds of entities including individuals. This study examines the cyber security behaviors of undergraduate students who study in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-related programs. The sample consists of 170 students of Computer Engineering and Computer Education and Instructional Technologies (CEIT) from one public and one private universities. The Cyber Security Scale (CSS?) was employed for measuring students’ cyber security behaviors. Results indicate that the level of student behaviors are adequate for ensuring cyber security. Detailed factor analysis reveals that students can protect their personal and private information. They also avoid using threatening applications and take measures regarding security. Moreover, they protect payment information of credit or debit cards and do not leave digital footprints while browsing the Internet. No significant difference was found between genders in terms of cyber security behavior. With respect to the protection of personal security factor, female students in CEIT and male students in Computer Engineering demonstrated more positive cyber security behaviors. Students with previous training or work experience in the fields of Internet/computer security showed more positive cyber security behaviors. There is no significant difference in students’ cyber security behaviors across study years. Vocational high school graduates are more cautious than regular high school graduates in terms of avoiding leaving digital footprints.