Cybersecurity Literacy Programs for Marginalized Communities: Bridging the Gap in Digital Security

Cybersecurity Literacy Programs for Marginalized Communities: Bridging the Gap in Digital Security aAnkita Ghosh, bSudip Diyasi and cDipankar Dey a,bDepartment of Computer Application, George College of Management and Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India cDepartment of Computer Application, Global Institute of Science & Technology, Haldia,  West Bengal, India   ABSTRACT Marginalized communities, especially in low-income and rural areas, are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks because of low digital literacy, limited economic advantages, and scarce resources for cybersecurity. This paper examines the role of socio-economic factors influencing cybersecurity risks in these populations, as well as investigates the efficiency of digital literacy programs. Using logistic regression analysis, it was established that a lower income level, rural location, and low levels of digital literacy significantly increased the likelihood that a given population group experience cyber incidents. Other analyses of cybersecurity literacy programs such as Cyber Safe for All in Kenya and PMGDISHA in India conclude that culturally relevant and localized approaches are more effective in raising cybersecurity awareness than generic approaches and diluted methodologies. Based on such analyses, we present an integration framework that can better improve security resilience in targeted vulnerable communities. That would require investment in appropriately tailored digital literacy initiatives, both in terms of public-private partnerships and policy design tailored to those needs. The future work should be longitudinal research studies that determine the longer-run effects of such efforts and probe various opportunities available for drawing on emerging technologies to expand access to cybersecurity education. This means empowering these groups in their own efforts to combat unique challenges that their groups face while trying to alleviate and eventually bridge the digital divide.