Data Privacy on the Internet: A Study on Awareness and Attitudes among the Students of the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh

Abstract

Almost every nation in the world, including Bangladesh, has seen remarkable growth in internet use over the previous decade. It is a good sign but not safe because the users are concerned about their data security. Generally, it can be said that internet users love to share the information they like the most without any sort of thought. This article aims to find out the university students’ attitudes and awareness regarding data privacy and cybersecurity. More specifically, the researcher conducted an online survey using Google Form to apprehend the level of understanding and practice regarding data security among the students of the University of Chittagong, a state-owned university in Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data needed to meet the aims. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS, version 25. Participants in this research were 180 students from three distinct faculties at the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh. Through the analysis of the survey findings, the researcher hopes to measure the respondents’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards digital technology and its privacy issues. This article also aims to check the target audience’s cybersecurity awareness and willingness to practice it personally. Every day, the dependence on internet use increases proportionately with the rise of ICT and digital platforms. It has become essential to understand data privacy and cybersecurity issues in this age of cutting-edge technology. As a result, the researcher chose university-level students to assess their cybersecurity and data protection awareness and practice while using digital technologies in their daily lives.