A white paper published by Kaspersky sheds light on the pivotal role of educators in Asia Pacific (APAC) in enhancing cyber education within the classroom. Conducted over five weeks in collaboration with Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee from the Singapore Institute of Technology, the study engaged 157 educators across India, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Findings from the research underscore the importance of educators practicing proper cyber hygiene, as it correlates with their confidence in instructing students on identifying suspicious sources and managing suspicious emails. Educators who are well-informed about appropriate measures or have received training from experts demonstrate greater confidence in this regard.
The white paper highlights that nearly 70 percent of educators surveyed prefer using their own mobile data over public networks as a precautionary measure. Additionally, approximately 70 percent remain suspicious of unknown links and attachments, exercising caution when receiving such content.
Despite this caution, the study reveals some concerning trends. For instance, while 85 percent of respondents acknowledge the possibility of their passwords being guessed and cracked, 90 percent believe there is a chance their digital devices may be attacked in the future. However, nearly 90 percent do not perceive the impact of password breaches, including potential data theft, to be severe.
While educators demonstrate a certain degree of awareness regarding online security, the study suggests that their knowledge may not be sufficient to ensure their complete safety online or to instill confidence in teaching cyber hygiene to students. There is a need to raise awareness about the risks and implications of security breaches, including how stolen data can be exploited for illegal activities.
“As we strengthen our efforts to create a cyber-immune global community, the role of educators cannot be overstated. With the dangers of cyber threats remaining a pressing issue, it is imperative for educators to possess adequate knowledge of safe cyber hygiene practices and gain an understanding of the repercussions of incautious actions online.
Kaspersky’s white paper highlights how schools and institutions should look towards identifying and bridging the gaps in the classroom to best prepare the next generation for online threats they may increasingly face,” said Trishia Octaviano, Academic Affairs Manager for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky recommends several measures to address these challenges, including providing cybersecurity training for educators, undertaking awareness initiatives in schools, and effectively engaging parents in reinforcing cybersecurity teachings at home.
