Computer Security Awareness

An Individualized Research Study

by Ryan LeowAnglo-Chinese School

(Independent

Scope of Study Introduction to the

Project Objectives of the Project Research Study Questionnaire Discussion Conclusions

Study Background: Computer Security Means to securing

computer from viruses, worms etc.

Main form is through software – for example, anti-virus and firewalls

Awareness also needed on the part of the user

Introduction (Continued) Viruses and other

threats (“Malware”) :- Can destroy data on computers- Causes operating difficulties on computers

Use of IT in classroom makes this a matter of concern

Objectives of the StudyThree Objectives: To determine how aware students are of

computer security issues To analyze the potential factors involved

for students to purchase their own computer security software

To determine the success of past efforts to ensure computer security for students under the Tablet PC programme

Research Study Research shows that computer

security awareness is important However, even large companies with

IT support lack protection from “malware”, and lack awareness

Notable lack of studies aimed at S’poreans or students for computer security

Methodology 157 Questionnaires were distributed;

150 were received Constitutes approximately 30% of the

Year 2 cohort Study is not representative of students

under the Tablet PC programme However, results are significant to

ACS(I) students

Questionnaire Is your Tablet PC protected against threats to

computer security? What type of security software has been installed? Why did you choose to install that specific

company’s software, instead of software sold by other competitors?

Why did you choose to install/ not to install security software in general?

Have you ever experienced operating difficulties or data loss as a direct result of malware?

If you needed security software for your Tablet PC, would your parents pay for the software?

Questionnaire On a scale of 1-7, how much would the

recommendations of friends count towards your decisions to buy a certain type of security software, excluding all other factors, like price?

On a scale of 1-7, how often do you practice computer security techniques like safe surfing, or not opening e-mails and attachments from unknown recipients?

On a scale of 1-7, how frequently do you read computing magazines and/or visit computing websites or forums?

On a scale of 1-7, how rigorous are you when deciding which programs to let through a firewall?

Discussion of Results Efforts to ensure basic computer security have

had mixed success Almost all installed security software and were

concerned about computer security threats Computer security awareness was largely

lacking Respondents did not use software effectively However, they did follow “safe surfing” tips

regularly

Discussion Many have experienced problems caused by malware

recently, and some experiencing ongoing problems with malware

Few students consulted reliable sources like computing magazines

Cost was the most significant factor in decision to purchase security software

Other significant factors were the recommendations of friends and family, and concern over malware

Conclusion There is a need to raise computer

security awareness among students Efforts to ensure computer security

have had mixed successes Cost is the most common factor

affecting decisions to buy security software, and should be taken into account by the school

The End.Thank you for listening.

Any Questions?