Understanding Protective Cybersecurity Behaviors: Effects of Education, Experience, and Awareness

Cybersecurity behavior remains a major concern as human error continues to undermine technical defenses. This study examines how prior cybersecurity training and incident experience influence awareness, attitudes toward cybersecurity education, and protective behavior. Survey data from 1,297 users across five countries were analyzed using structural equation modeling within the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior framework. Results show that formal training significantly improves awareness, attitudes, and protective behaviors, while perceived incident experience does not highlight limits of experiential learning alone.