Effects of socioeconomic and digital inequalities on cybersecurity in a developing country

In developing countries, increased reliance on cyberspace for carrying out educational activities has implications for cybersecurity threats. In the light of stratification model of diffusion of technologies, socioeconomic and digital disparities are reproduced in the use of digital knowledge and skills. Cybersecurity is a digital skill that is affected by socioeconomic and digital inequalities; specifically in the developing nations. With lack of digital divide’s empirical evidence in terms of cybersecurity, this study employs a face-to-face survey to understand the computer and smartphone security practices of students enrolled in higher education institutes (HEIs) across Pakistan. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used to recruit a sample of 758 participants located in socioeconomically and geographically diverse cities in the country. Analysis was carried out using descriptive and Pearson’s Chi-square statistics. The results show lax cybersecurity behavior of students both on computer and smartphone devices. Significant differences were found in the cybersecurity practices of students in terms of socioeconomic and digital divide variables. This highlights that the individuals with lower socioeconomic status and who are digitally less connected are at a greater risk of falling victims to cyber-threats. The implications of the study state to impart tailored cybersecurity trainings with respect to digital divide and socioeconomic status of the students.