Examination of the relationship between teacher candidates’ information security awareness levels and their self-efficacy perceptions regarding safe internet use

This study aimed to examine the relationship between preservice teachers’ information security awareness levels and their self-efficacy perceptions regarding safe Internet use. The study was conducted using the correlational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of 407 preservice teachers studying at the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Erzincan Binali Yildirim University during the fall semester of the 2025–2026 academic year who voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Information Security Awareness Scale, and the Safe Internet Use Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Preservice Teachers. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, partial correlation, and moderation analysis via the Process Macro were employed. The findings revealed a positive, strong, and statistically significant relationship between preservice teachers’ information security awareness levels and their self-efficacy perceptions regarding safe Internet use. Furthermore, this relationship was found to vary according to variables such as gender, level of knowledge about Internet security, receiving information security training, and the level of attention paid to sharing personal information. The results indicate that preservice teachers’ information security awareness levels are highly associated with their self-efficacy perceptions regarding safe Internet use. In this regard, it is considered important to develop practical training content on information security and safe Internet use within teacher education programs in order to enhance pre-service teachers' digital security competencies.