Evaluation of information and communication security awareness of students studying at the faculty of sports sciences

The aim of this study is to determine the information and communication security awareness levels of students in the Faculty of Sport Sciences and to examine whether these awareness levels differ according to various demographic and digital variables. The research was designed using the survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The population of the study consisted of students studying at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Sport Sciences. The sample consisted of 231 students selected through a simple random sampling method. As the data collection tool, the "Information and Communication Security Awareness Scale" developed by Can Güldüren was used. The scale consists of a total of 34 items. The overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's Alpha) of the scale was found to be 0.89. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 software, and descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and normality tests were applied. According to the research findings, the students' overall awareness levels were found to be at a moderate-to-high level. Significant differences were found in variables such as computer and internet usage duration, taking a course on information security, and receiving computer training (p<0.05). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed based on variables such as gender, age, and department. As a result, it was determined that digital experience and education related to information security have a positive effect on students' cybersecurity awareness levels. This study is important in terms of revealing how conscious university students are about security threats they may encounter in digital environments. The results show that in addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience and education also play an effective role in raising awareness of information security. In this context, expanding the availability of information and communication security courses at universities would contribute to students acting more consciously and securely in digital environments. Keywords: Information, Communication, Information and Communication Security