Utilisation of Cybersecurity Applications as Predictors of Secure Digital Learning Among Computer Science Undergraduates in Public and Private Universities in Enugu State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajicti.v1i1.8080Keywords:
Computer Science Undergraduates, Cybersecurity Applications, Digital Learning Platforms, Firewall Technologies, Secure Digital Learning, Virtual Private Networks (Vpns)Abstract
The study compared cyber security apps for the protection of digital learning platforms among computer science undergraduates at public and private universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study particularly focused on the variations in the use of antivirus software, firewall technologies and Virtual Private Network (VPN) technologies and their predicted impact on secure digital learning. Comparative descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population was 4416 (computer science undergraduate students) from which a sample of 393 respondents was selected by using multi-stage selection process. However, out of the 393 questionnaires administered, only 364 were successfully recovered and used for analysis (93% response rate). Data collection was conducted through the Cybersecurity Application Utilisation for Safeguarding Digital Learning Platforms Questionnaire (CAUSDLPQ). The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.75 overall. Data were examined using mean, standard deviation, independent-samples t-test and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the undergraduates in both public and private institutions used antivirus software, firewall technologies, and VPN technologies to a low degree for the protection of digital learning platforms. However, the data showed significantly greater levels of usage of cyber security applications among undergraduates in private universities than their counterparts in public universities across all categories of cyber security applications. The results also indicated that cybersecurity apps were major predictors of secure digital learning with antivirus software being the top predictor followed by firewall technologies and VPN technologies. The study indicated that cybersecurity applications contribute greatly to secure digital learning but are not adequately used by university undergraduates. The study recommended the enhancement of cybersecurity awareness and practical training programs, the enhancement of effective utilization of cybersecurity applications, the incorporation of cybersecurity education in university curricula, and the enhancement of institutional cybersecurity infrastructure to enhance secure digital learning environments in higher education institutions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adesegun Nurudeen Osijirin, Leonard C. Anigbo, Oliver Okechukwu (Author)
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