Statistical Analysis of Cybersecurity Awareness Issues in Higher Education Institutes

Abstract

Now-a-days, computers and the Internet are becoming increasingly indispensable tools in several aspects of our lives, including academic study, professional work, entertainment, and communication. Despite the significant advantages of information technology, particularly in information accessibility and internet applications, cyber security has risen to become a national concern in Saudi Arabia, and cyber security threats now need to be taken more seriously. Therefore, computer and network security are a concern not only for traditional security awareness organisations, for example, military, bank, or financial institutions, but also for every individual and government official who use computers. Besides, nowadays, more and more organisations' valuable assets are stored in the computerised information system; security has become an essential and urgent issue. However, it is remarkable that most systems today are designed with little attention to security concerns. This study aims to examine and analyse cyber security issues, including cyber risk, cyber security, cyber security awareness, and cyber trust, among higher education students in Saudi Arabia. Based on an analysis of the collected data using SPSS, the findings of this study highlight a lack of awareness of basic information related to cyber security among Saudi students. In addition, the number of students attending training programs was very low. Considering other security issues, this study reveals that while Saudi students are aware of cyber risk, they are not aware of cyber security. In addition, Saudi students are not aware of and do not have cyber trust.