A Study of Computer Users’ Attitude and Awareness towards Cyber Security

Abstract

The term Cybersecurity surrounded us all around. The Cyber-world or Cyberspace is more than just the Internet. It means an online environment where many participants are involved in social interactions and can touch and influence each other. People are interacting on the Internet through digital media. In this situation, Cybercrimes are rising day-by-day. Users can be safe by becoming more and more aware of security measures used to deal with cybercrimes. This study investigates and analyzed user’s attitudes and awareness towards Cybersecurity, and also lightens the approach about the common security threats to deal with. The study also checks the differences in cybersecurity awareness gender-wise, employment status wise, and participants IT related qualification wise. During this study, a survey-based questionnaire was used for collecting primary data about computer user's perceptions towards cybersecurity awareness. The key results are discussed here, where more than 34% of female and 28% male participants are unaware of risks related to sharing personal information among users on the Internet. As such 41% to 51% female, as well as 27% to 38% male, participants are unaware of basic security issues such asphishing attacks, social engineering attacks, and risks of using public Wi-Fi, etc. All the participants who are involved in this study to participate are well in IT skills. The IT skills are measured in three groups, such as IT fundamentals, Basic office application, and Internet skills. In such categories, more than 85% of participants are either excellent or good. The findings of this study will help in suggesting appropriate measures taken to protect from various cyber-attacks.