Cyber Shield on Campus: A Study of Cybersecurity Awareness Among College Students

Abstract

In this time of fast digital change, online security has become a major problem for everyone, private companies, and governments. College or university students are among the most active users of online technologies, are particularly at risk to cyber threats such as online scams, stealing personal information, harmful software attacks, and data leaks. This study says to evaluate the level of cybersecurity knowledge among college or university students in India, focusing on key areas such as how to manage a password, correct use of social media, identifying online scams, and data protection methods. A survey was performed among undergraduate students from different courses to understand what is the level of awareness and online activities. The results show that although students have basic knowledge of online security concepts, there is a clear gap when it comes to properly using safe methods. Many students don’t use use important safety steps such as two-step verification, changing passwords regularly, and carefully checking unknown links before clicking or opening them. The study shows that it is necessary to include online security education in academic syllabus and to spread awareness through different types of seminars, workshops, training sessions, and college policies etc. It also suggests useful steps to improve knowledge of cybersecurity and promote safe use of digital technologies among the college or university students