The Need for a Cybersecurity Education Program for Internet Users with Limited English Proficiency: Results from a Pilot Study
Fawn T. Ngo, Rustu Deryol, Brian Turnbull, Jack Drobisz · International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence and Cybercrime · 2024
According to security experts, cybersecurity education and awareness at the user level are key in combating cybercrime. Hence, in the U.S., cybersecurity and Internet safety workshops, classes, and resources targeting children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens abound. However, most cybercrime prevention programs are only available in English, thus, ignoring a substantial proportion of Internet users and potential cybercrime victims—Internet users with limited English proficiency (LEP). Yet, successfully combating cybercrime requires that all computer and Internet users, regardless of their language abilities and skills, have access to pertinent cybersecurity information and resources to protect themselves online. This paper presents the results of a pilot study designed to explore participants’ experiences with cybercrime and changes in cyber safety behavior, after being exposed to cybersecurity information and Internet safety resources, among a sample of Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking computer users. Findings from three focus groups (two Spanish and one Vietnamese) reveal the piloted study yields promising results. Recommendations are presented to develop an educational curriculum on cybersecurity and Internet safety for the LEP population.