Cybersecurity Awareness and Online Safety Practices Among Tertiary Institution Students in Enugu State, Nigeria

The rapid expansion of digital technologies in higher education has heightened students’ exposure to cybersecurity threats, rendering cybersecurity awareness and safe online behaviour critical issues. This study assessed the level of cybersecurity awareness, knowledge of specific cyber threats, and online safety practices among tertiary institution students in Enugu State, Nigeria, and analysed the influence of cybersecurity awareness on students’ online safety practices. A descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population consisted of students from selected public tertiary institutions in Enugu State, with a sample of 385 respondents selected using Taro Yamane’s formula and stratified proportional random sampling. Data were collected using a structured 36-item questionnaire (12 items per research question) measured on a four-point Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi square and regression analysis) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students demonstrated a moderate level of general cybersecurity awareness, but their knowledge of specific cyber threats and protective measures was generally low. Online safety practices were also found to be inadequate, particularly in advanced security behaviours such as two-factor authentication and data privacy management. Inferential results indicated a significant relationship between cybersecurity awareness and online safety practices, with awareness positively and significantly influencing students’ safety behaviour. The study concludes that while cybersecurity awareness among tertiary institution students is improving, it remains insufficient to ensure effective online safety practices. The study recommends integrating practical, behaviour-focused cybersecurity education into tertiary institution curricula to enhance students’ digital safety and resilience against cyber threats.