ISSN (Online): 2321-3418
server-injected
Engineering and Computer Science
Open Access

An Empirical Study on Cybersecurity Awareness, Cybersecurity Concern, and Vulnerability to Cyber-attacks

DOI: 10.18535/ijsrm/v12i04.ec05· Pages: 1144-1158· Vol. 12, No. 04, (2024)· Published: April 22, 2024
PDF
Views: 821 PDF downloads: 286

Abstract

The research aimed to delve into the landscape of cybersecurity awareness and concern levels within Punjab, India, shedding light on the specific demographic groups most susceptible to cyber-attacks. Through meticulous survey administration and data analysis, the study pinpointed a noteworthy vulnerability: young adult females aged 18 to 29 residing in rural Punjab, particularly those either engaged in student pursuits or currently unemployed. This demographic emerged as disproportionately prone to cyber threats.

Highlighting the gravity of this finding, the research underscores the urgency for tailored interventions to fortify the cyber defenses of this vulnerable population segment. A crucial facet of this approach involves the development of a prototype aimed at augmenting cybersecurity awareness and fostering ethical online conduct among the identified demographic. This prototype seeks to serve as a platform for delivering enhanced training modules tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by young females in rural Punjab.

Moreover, the paper delineates a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation and evaluation of these recommendations. Central to this plan is the deployment of an application based on the proposed prototype, designed to facilitate the delivery of targeted cybersecurity education and gauge its efficacy in bolstering cyber resilience among the identified demographic.

This research not only illuminates the cybersecurity landscape in Punjab but also charts a proactive course of action aimed at mitigating vulnerabilities and empowering at-risk populations through informed intervention strategies. Through ongoing data collection and evaluation efforts, the efficacy of these interventions will be rigorously assessed, driving iterative refinement and optimization of cybersecurity initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Punjab's populace.

Keywords

Cybersecurity awarenessCyber-attacksCybersecurity concern levelCybersecurity vulnerability

References

  1. Anwar, M., He, W., Ash, I., Yuan, X., Li, L. (2017). Gender Difference and Employees' Cybersecurity Behaviors. Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications. 13.Google Scholar ↗
  2. Ajayi, E. F. G. (2016). The challenges to enforcement of cyber-crimes laws and policy. Journal of Internet and Information Systems, 6(1), 1-12.Google Scholar ↗
  3. Baker, E. W. (2013). A model for the impact of cybersecurity infrastructure on economic development in emerging economies: Evaluating the contrasting cases of India and Pakistan. Information Technology for Development, 20(2), 122-139. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2013.832131DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  4. Chen, T., Hammer, J., & Dabbish, L. (2019). Self-efficacy-based game design to encourage security behavior online. Extended Abstracts of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. https://doi.org/10.1145/3290607.3312935DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  5. Department of Planning Punjab. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 28, 2022 from: https://pbplanning.gov.in/reports.htmGoogle Scholar ↗
  6. Demographics of population ageing in India. (n.d.). Retrieved on November 22, 2021 from: http://isec.ac.in/BKPAI%20Working%20paper%201.pdf.Google Scholar ↗
  7. Kader, A. N. (2020). Cyber security awareness- a necessity for more productive digital experience. IJRAR- International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 7(2). https://doi.org/E ISSN 2348 –1269, print ISSN 2349-5138.Google Scholar ↗
  8. Kshetri, N. (2016). Cybersecurity in India. The Quest to Cyber Superiority, 145-157. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40554-4_8DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  9. Kumar, S. & Manhas, A. (May 2021). Cyber crimes in India: Trends and prevention. Galaxy International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (GIIRJ) ISSN (E): 2347-6915. 9(5).Google Scholar ↗
  10. Official Website of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Government of Punjab, India. (n.d.). Retrieved on March 28, 2021 from: https://pbemployment.punjab.gov.in/Google Scholar ↗
  11. State Profile – Government of Punjab, India. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 28, 2022 from: https://punjab.gov.in/state-profile/Google Scholar ↗
  12. Pathak, U. (2017). Cyber security and cyber laws in India: Focus areas and issue areas. The Clarion- International Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.5958/2277-937x.2017.00008.9DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  13. Pattnaik, P. K., & Mishra, I. (2020). Cybercrimes in India and related laws. Psychology and Education, 57(9), 757-760.Google Scholar ↗
  14. Punjab population 2011 - 2022. Punjab Population Sex Ratio in Punjab Literacy rate data 2011-2022. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 28, 2022 from: https://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/punjab.htmlGoogle Scholar ↗
  15. Rhee, H.-S., Kim, C., & Ryu, Y. U. (2009). Self-efficacy in information security: Its influence on end users’ information security practice behavior. Computers & Security, 28(8), 816–826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2009.05.008DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  16. Roohparvar, R. (May 23, 2021). People – the weakest link in cybersecurity. Infogurd – Cyber Security. Retrieved from: https://www.infoguardsecurity.com/people-the-weakest-link-in-cybersecurity/Google Scholar ↗
  17. Shah, P., & Agarwal, A. (2020). Cybersecurity behavior of smartphone users in India: An empirical analysis. Information & Computer Security, 28(2), 293–318. https://doi.org/10.1108/ics-04-2019-0041DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  18. Shah, R. (2019). Cyber crimes in India: Trends and prevention. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR), 6(1). www.ijrar.org (E-ISSN 2348-1269, P- ISSN 2349-5138)Google Scholar ↗
  19. Singh, N., & Rishi, A. (2015). Pyramid: A case study of cyber security in India. South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, 4(1), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526405470DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  20. Vimala, S. C., & Vishalini, S. P. (2021). Cyber security: Threats and challenges in India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, 2(3), 128-131. https://doi.org/10.48175/ijarsct-v2-i3-322.DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
  21. Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, November 4). Meena (character). Wikipedia. Retrieved November 22, 2021. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meena_ (character).Google Scholar ↗
Author details
Chahak Mittal
Eastern Michigan University,
✉ Corresponding Author
👤 View Profile →