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CyberSafe in Action: A comparative study of knowledge enhancement in cybersecurity among Swedish university students before and after interacting with an interactive digital prototype
Dalarna University, School of Information and Engineering, Informatics.
Dalarna University, School of Information and Engineering, Informatics.
2024 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

Amidst escalating cyber threats, the necessity for robust cybersecurity education is more pressing than ever, particularly within university environments that are increasingly targeted. This study, "CyberSafe in Action," evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive digital prototype designed to enhance cybersecurity awareness among Swedish university students. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative pre- and post-intervention quizzes with qualitative interviews, the study assesses the prototype's impact on students' cybersecurity knowledge and behavioral intentions.The research involved 20 participants divided into an experimental group, which interacted with the prototype, and a control group, which did not. Results indicated a significant improvement in cybersecurity awareness in the experimental group, with average quiz scores increasing from 16.2 to 24.8, representing a 40.9% improvement in cybersecurity knowledge. In contrast, the control group experienced a decline in scores from 17.1 to 13.1, indicating a -25.6% change. Statistical analysis using paired and independent t-tests confirmed these enhancements were significant (p<0.01), demonstrating the prototype’s efficacy. Qualitative feedback highlighted increased engagement and a proactive approach to cybersecurity, affirming the benefits of interactive educational tools. This study contributes to pedagogical practices by demonstrating that interactive, problem-based learning can substantially enhance cybersecurity education. Recommendations for future research include larger-scale studies to explore long-term retention of knowledge and behavioural changes. This study underscores the critical role of innovative educational strategies in preparing students to navigate and secure increasingly digital landscapes effectively.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024.
Keywords [en]
Cybersecurity education, Interactive learning tools, Digital prototypes, cybersecurity awareness, Higher education, behavioural change in cybersecurity, educational technology, Swedish universities, Cyber threats, Mixed-methods research
National Category
Information Systems
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:du-48945OAI: oai:DiVA.org:du-48945DiVA, id: diva2:1881642
Subject / course
Informatics
Available from: 2024-07-03 Created: 2024-07-03

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CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • chicago-author-date
  • chicago-note-bibliography
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf