Digital security awareness levels among graduate students in the faculty of education in Latakia university

Abstract

This research aims to determine the level of digital security awareness among graduate students at the Faculty of Education, University of Lattakia, amid rapid digital transformation. A questionnaire was developed comprising three dimensions: knowledge of digital concepts and threats, preventive behaviors, and awareness of educational and ethical responsibility.

    The study adopted a descriptive methodology. The instrument's validity and reliability were verified and administered to 105 graduate students. Results revealed high digital awareness levels, with educational and ethical responsibility ranking first, followed by ethical behaviors and practices second, and knowledge of digital concepts and threats third. Findings indicated significant differences attributed to specialization, but no significant differences related to degree level (master's/doctoral) or exposure to digital security incidents.

    In light of the research findings, the researcher recommends:

·  dedicating an independent module for humanities students on participants' data protection.

·  tasking the educational technology department with developing training materials including practical phishing examples and fraudulent link identification.

·  conducting quasi-experimental studies to measure the effectiveness of a short awareness program across the three survey dimensions.