Cybersecurity Behaviour Intensions in Students

Ekanem, Ita George (2023) Cybersecurity Behaviour Intensions in Students. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

Preview	PDF (Master of Science) Download (596kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (Configuration Manual) Download (217kB) | Preview

Abstract

Human error is frequently mentioned as the main weakness in the field of cybersecurity. Given the extensive use of online services for education and communication, students face a multitude of cybersecurity threats daily and research/information on students' cybersecurity practices is very limited. This study intends to investigate the variables affecting students' cybersecurity behaviour, find relationships between particular human characteristics and intentions for cybersecurity behaviour, evaluate the degree to which students demonstrate positive cybersecurity attitudes, and determine their readiness to improve their practices. Validated factors considered in this study include perceived vulnerability, perceived barriers, perceived severity, response efficacy, cues to action, peer behaviour, personality traits, decision making style, online security behaviour, consideration for future consequences, computer and internet skills, prior experience with computer security practices, perceived benefits, and familiarity with cyber threats. By looking at the relationship between these traits and the cybersecurity behaviour of students, this study strives to illuminate the driving forces behind their practices. By strategically combining past surveys with statical significance extracted from past research on cybersecurity behaviour, this research builds upon and extends the work of Margaret Gratian, Sruthi Bandi, Michel Cukier, Josiah Dykstra, and Amy Ginther on correlating human traits and cybersecurity behaviour intentions. With the use of a comprehensive survey which was conducted among current students of NCI.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Moldovan, Arghir Nicolae UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2025 14:17
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2025 14:17
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7433

Actions (login required)

View Item