A recent white paper by Kaspersky, a cybersecurity solutions provider, found that educators who practice proper cyber hygiene are more confident in teaching students how to identify suspicious sources and handle suspicious emails. This confidence is particularly evident among those who are well-informed about cybersecurity measures or have received expert training.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee from the Singapore Institute of Technology, the five-week study surveyed 157 educators across India, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Among the educators surveyed, nearly 70% prefer using their own mobile data over public networks as a precaution. Also, 70% are wary of links and attachments from unknown sources. Despite these precautions, 85% acknowledge that their passwords could potentially be guessed, and 90% recognize the possibility of their digital devices being attacked in the future.
While most educators are aware of the threats posed by compromised passwords, nearly 90% believe that the impact of such breaches would not be severe, even if personal data were stolen.
Handling online threats
The findings suggest that while educators possess some knowledge of online safety, it may not be sufficient to ensure complete security or confidence in teaching cyber hygiene to students. Moreover, educators may need better awareness of the full risks and implications of security breaches, including the illegal use of stolen data.
Kaspersky emphasized the importance of equipping educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to handle online threats effectively. She highlighted the need for schools to identify and bridge gaps in cybersecurity education to prepare students for future online challenges.
Kaspersky recommends several measures to enhance cybersecurity education:
- Provide continuous cybersecurity training for educators.
- Undertake awareness initiatives in schools to promote safe online behaviors among students.
- Engage parents in supporting and reinforcing cybersecurity teachings at home.