Authors:
Rooya Karimnia
;
Kaie Maennel
and
Mahtab Shahin
Affiliation:
Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, Tallinn, Estonia
Keyword(s):
Cybersecurity, Cyber Awareness, Learning, Training, Cyber Hygiene, High-school, Students, Iran, Hormozgan.
Abstract:
Many of our daily activities are performed online, which calls for everyone to learn more about cybersecurity. Designing a culturally-sensitive cybersecurity awareness course is essential to “speak” to training audiences with different cultural backgrounds and technology. We analyse the current cybersecurity awareness level of high-school students in Iran, Hormozgan, based on a survey of 616 responses. We develop an awareness program for 16 to 18-year-old students using the culturally-sensitive ADDIE model. We implement the program and evaluate its effectiveness by pre-and post-test methods. We also evaluate whether cultural aspects of Intention, Interaction, and Introspection are practical and sufficient in designing a cultural dimension to a cybersecurity awareness program. The key findings of the analysis show low cyber hygiene knowledge levels, excessive use of VPNs and that lectures are a preferred learning method. Based on practical application, we conclude that the ADDIE model
with cultural embrace provides a means of incorporating culture into cybersecurity education. However, from a practical implementation perspective, the guidance is relatively high-level and would need further tailoring to focus on relevant aspects for cybersecurity training (e.g., technology use). The pre-and post-test results of a pilot session show increase in overall knowledge on selected cybersecurity topics.
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