CYBERSECURITY THREATS, AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

In today’s rapidly digitized educational landscape, cybersecurity threats have become a pressing challenge, particularly for students in technology-focused disciplines such as Computer Science Education. This study investigated the Cybersecurity Threats and Their Implications on Academic Achievement among Computer Science Education Students in Universities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 317 students using a structured and validated questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation using SPSS. The findings revealed that cyber threats such as phishing, malware attacks, password breaches, and unauthorized access to digital platforms are highly prevalent and significantly affect students’ academic performance. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between exposure to cybersecurity threats and academic achievement. Furthermore, although a moderate level of awareness existed among students, preparedness to handle cyber threats was relatively lower, indicating a gap between knowledge and practical response capacity. The study recommends the integration of cybersecurity education into the curriculum, improved digital infrastructure, institutional partnerships with cybersecurity organizations, and consistent awareness training for students.