Are Ghanaian University Students Safe Online? New Study Reveals Major Gaps in Cybersecurity Awareness

As university learning, communication, and social life increasingly move online, questions about students’ digital safety are becoming more urgent. How well prepared are Ghanaian university students to protect themselves from cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and data theft?

A new study conducted at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) suggests that while many students practice basic online safety, serious gaps remain that could expose them to academic, financial, and personal risks.

The research, led by Dr. Hannah Ayaba Tanye and a multidisciplinary team of IT and education experts, surveyed 300 undergraduate students to assess their cybersecurity awareness and behaviour. The study examined six key areas: password management, device security, email safety, internet browsing habits, social media use, and awareness of institutional cybersecurity policies.

The findings, published in The Scientific Temper, paint a mixed picture of vigilance and vulnerability among Ghanaian university students.

Students demonstrated moderate competence in basic cybersecurity practices, particularly in creating passwords and protecting personal devices. However, the study uncovered significant weaknesses in more advanced and increasingly common threat areas. Many students struggled to identify phishing emails, practiced risky social media behaviours, and lacked safe internet browsing habits; making them vulnerable to fraud, malware attacks, and identity theft.

One of the most important insights from the study is the role of universities themselves in shaping students’ cybersecurity behaviour. The researchers found a strong link between institutional support and safer online practices. Where universities had clear security policies, offered training, and maintained responsive IT support systems, students were far more likely to behave responsibly online.

Strong organizational security policies were shown to positively influence students’ social media use and internet browsing habits. In contrast, when institutional guidance was weak or unclear, students were often left to manage digital risks on their own.

“This is not just a technical problem; it is an educational and cultural one,” the authors note. “Universities play a critical role in building a security-conscious campus environment. Without proactive institutional engagement, students are more exposed to online threats.”

The study also identified password management as the strongest predictor of overall cybersecurity awareness. Students who used strong, unique passwords and updated them regularly were significantly more likely to practice other safe behaviours, such as securing devices and recognizing suspicious emails.

However, the research revealed an important concern: safe email practices and device security measures did not consistently translate into broader cybersecurity awareness. This suggests that many students view online safety as isolated actions rather than as part of a comprehensive digital security mindset.

With Ghanaian universities rapidly expanding blended and online learning, accelerated by changes following the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers argue that cybersecurity education can no longer be treated as optional.

To address the gaps identified, the study recommends that universities:

1. Introduce mandatory cybersecurity orientation sessions for all incoming students
2. Integrate digital security and online safety topics into existing academic courses
3. Run continuous awareness campaigns using social media, campus portals, and student ambassadors
4. Establish clear reporting systems for cyber incidents and strengthen real-time IT support

“University students are not just learners; they are digital citizens,” Dr. Tanye emphasizes. “Equipping them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves online is essential for their academic success, personal safety, and future careers.”

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the study serves as a timely call to action for universities, policymakers, and students. Building safer digital campuses will require collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to cybersecurity; starting with awareness and reinforced by institutional support.

The full study, “Assessing the information security awareness among Ghanaian University students,” appears in The Scientific Temper, Vol. 16, No. 7 (2025). https://doi.org/10.58414/SCIENTIFICTEMPER.2025.16.7.06