Introduction

The emergence of technology and the cyberworld has brought various challenges in education, organizations, government, and industries. Human behavioral errors and lack of training indirectly encourage cybercrime. Researchers have proposed strategies to overcome cybersecurity deficits through serious gamification and subjective habit formation. The goal of this study is to research and present the impacts on the general population and the human aspects of cybersecurity. Addressing these issues and advancing strategies through serious cybersecurity games and habit formation could contribute to a cyber-safe world.

Research Question

Qualitative research on cybersecurity awareness in high school students:

1. Are high school students aware of cybercrime?
2. How unsafe is it for students to keep devices logged in?
3. What motivates them to turn off and log off devices after each use?
4. Would they like to have cybersecurity drills at school?
5. Control question: non-cyber security behavior such as locking the car after parking in a lot.

Methods, Procedures, and Techniques

a) Methods: E-survey using closed and open-ended questions covering cybersecurity knowledge, dangers of logged-in devices, and attitudes towards cybersecurity practices. Ethical approval and school administration permission are required.

b) Data Collection: Responses will be collected and analyzed using inductive theme analysis.

c) Methodology Choice: Online surveys are quick, simple, low-cost, and allow for large sample sizes.

d) Advantages: Open-ended questions provide subjective data, and the survey is concise and understandable.

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 5 Groups and Communities

e) Disadvantages: Inability to conduct interviews, verify participant authenticity, reliance on email responses, and potential difficulty in accurately assessing subjective responses from high school students.

Sample

a) Population of Interest: High school students.

b) Sample Participants: 2384 students in Grades 9 to 12 at Westview High School.

c) The sample represents high school students regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion, and includes those who can read and write in English.

Procedures

a) Participant Recruitment: Email invitations via the school administration.

b) Study Procedures: Participants will receive an email with a survey link, followed by informed consent. The survey will be conducted online using school devices.

Benefits

This study will contribute to understanding the awareness and behavior of high school students regarding cybersecurity. It will help in designing effective cybersecurity training programs for adolescents, addressing the need for cybersecurity education in schools.

Benefits to Career Field

Introducing cybersecurity awareness and training in high schools can lead to the development of cybersecurity habits from an early age. Collaborative efforts between software developers and psychologists can lead to the creation of effective cybersecurity training programs for high school students.

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 5 Groups and Communities