Computer Security Awareness

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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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 e-mails 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?

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. The End. Thank you for listening. Any Questions?