Computer Security Awareness An Individualized Research Study by Ryan Leow Anglo-Chinese School (Independent

Scope of Study Introduction to the Project Objectives of the Project Research Study Questionnaire Discussion Conclusions

Study Background: Computer Security Means to securing computer from viruses, worms etc. Main form is through software – for example, anti-virus and firewalls Awareness also needed on the part of the user

Introduction (Continued) Viruses and other threats (“Malware”) : - Can destroy data on computers - Causes operating difficulties on computers Use of IT in classroom makes this a matter of concern

Objectives of the Study Three Objectives:  To determine how aware students are of computer security issues  To analyze the potential factors involved for students to purchase their own computer security software  To determine the success of past efforts to ensure computer security for students under the Tablet PC programme

Research Study Research shows that computer security awareness is important However, even large companies with IT support lack protection from “malware”, and lack awareness Notable lack of studies aimed at S’poreans or students for computer security

Methodology 157 Questionnaires were distributed; 150 were received Constitutes approximately 30% of the Year 2 cohort Study is not representative of students under the Tablet PC programme However, results are significant to ACS(I) students

Questionnaire Is your Tablet PC protected against threats to computer security? What type of security software has been installed? Why did you choose to install that specific company’s software, instead of software sold by other competitors? Why did you choose to install/ not to install security software in general? Have you ever experienced operating difficulties or data loss as a direct result of malware? If you needed security software for your Tablet PC, would your parents pay for the software?

Questionnaire On a scale of 1-7, how much would the recommendations of friends count towards your decisions to buy a certain type of security software, excluding all other factors, like price? On a scale of 1-7, how often do you practice computer security techniques like safe surfing, or not opening s and attachments from unknown recipients? On a scale of 1-7, how frequently do you read computing magazines and/or visit computing websites or forums? On a scale of 1-7, how rigorous are you when deciding which programs to let through a firewall?

Discussion of Results Efforts to ensure basic computer security have had mixed success Almost all installed security software and were concerned about computer security threats Computer security awareness was largely lacking Respondents did not use software effectively However, they did follow “safe surfing” tips regularly

Discussion Many have experienced problems caused by malware recently, and some experiencing ongoing problems with malware Few students consulted reliable sources like computing magazines Cost was the most significant factor in decision to purchase security software Other significant factors were the recommendations of friends and family, and concern over malware

Conclusion There is a need to raise computer security awareness among students Efforts to ensure computer security have had mixed successes Cost is the most common factor affecting decisions to buy security software, and should be taken into account by the school

The End. Thank you for listening. Any Questions?