Cybersecurity Awareness and Preventive Practices Among Criminal Justice Students: Basis for an Evidenced Based Cyber Safety Education Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I2.77Keywords:
Cybersecurity Awareness, Cybersecurity Behavior, Cybersecurity Preventive Practices, Criminal Justice Students, Cyber Safety Education FrameworkAbstract
This study assessed the cybersecurity awareness and cybersecurity preventive practices among Criminal Justice students at the ICI College of Criminal Justice Education as the basis for developing an Evidence-Based Cyber Safety Education Framework. A descriptive-correlational research design using a quantitative approach was employed. The respondents consisted of 270 Criminal Justice students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of measures of cybersecurity awareness and cybersecurity preventive practices. The instrument demonstrated excellent reliability, with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients of 0.978 for cybersecurity awareness and 0.970 for cybersecurity preventive practices. Frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in analyzing the data. The findings revealed very high cybersecurity awareness and high levels of cybersecurity preventive practices among the respondents. A significant strong positive relationship existed between cybersecurity awareness and cybersecurity preventive practices (r = 0.842, p = 0.000). Regression analysis further showed that all four dimensions of cybersecurity awareness significantly predicted cybersecurity preventive practices, with phishing and online scam awareness emerging as the strongest predictor. Based on the findings, an Evidence-Based Cyber Safety Education Framework was developed to address identified areas for improvement and strengthen cybersecurity preparedness among Criminal Justice students. The study supports SDG 4, Quality Education, through strengthened cybersecurity education and digital competency, and SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through improved cybercrime preparedness and responsible digital behavior. Its sustainability contribution is primarily educational, technological, institutional, and governance oriented.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Romeo A. Gernale, Jr. (Author)
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