| dc.description.abstract | The rapid advancement of digital technology has brought cybersecurity to the forefront of global concerns, particularly as online platforms become essential for education and work. This shift from offline to online environments increases risks to privacy and data protection, creating pressing challenges for Gen Z university students in Bangladesh who rely heavily on internet-based learning. This study investigates the influence of cybersecurity knowledge, password security, and social networking on cybersecurity awareness among Bangladeshi Gen Z university students, with a focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy. Data were collected from 430 Gen Z students across five private universities in Bangladesh, using a stratified random sampling method in a cross-sectional study design. A positivist approach and hypothetical-deductive method were employed, with validated scales adapted from previous studies to measure the constructs. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS-SEM 4.0. The findings reveal significant positive associations between cybersecurity knowledge and password security with cybersecurity awareness, though no significant relationship was observed between social networking and cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, self-efficacy was found to mediate the relationships between cybersecurity knowledge, password security, and social networking with cybersecurity awareness. The study underscores the critical need to improve cybersecurity literacy and responsible internet use among university students. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of self-efficacy in fostering effective cybersecurity behaviors within an academic setting. | en_US |
