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