HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CYBERSECURITY: AN EXPLANATORY CASE STUDY

Abstract

The need for additional cybersecurity experts is greater than ever before. Research has been conducted on how to increase the number of security specialists, improve cybersecurity curriculum, identify the needed skills of a cybersecurity professional, and overcome negative perceptions in organizations. It appears, however, there is limited research regarding perceptions of high school students that may prevent them from exploring this occupation. While there are undoubtedly many reasons students choose to pursue other occupations, this study examined 237 high school students at one of the highest performing secondary schools in the Mountain State Region of the United States in attempt to explain what perceptions influence a high school student’s choice to pursue a career in cybersecurity. The qualitative coding process produced seven unique categories. These key categories provide insight into the career-making processes of secondary students regarding cybersecurity. Our findings also reveal significant gender differences in perceptions of the field.