The Internet, a cornerstone of modern engineering innovation, has profoundly reshaped our lives. Despite technological advancements in security, cyberattacks are escalating, with user awareness being a critical mitigation factor. This research investigates cybersecurity awareness and online safety practices among postgraduate students at a Canadian university, recognizing the particular importance of digital safety literacy for future engineers who will design, build, and manage critical digital infrastructure. A campus-wide survey assessed students' experiences with online safety incidents and their awareness levels. Findings revealed over 75% encountered incidents, yet fewer than 20% knew relevant Canadian laws, and 87% were unsure how to report issues. Informed by these results, we developed a tailored online safety module covering prevalent threats like phishing, online abuse, and reporting mechanisms, aiming to enhance digital literacy. An initial pilot study focusing specifically on the phishing component was conducted with senior software engineering students to assess its preliminary effectiveness. Results indicated that even students with cybersecurity backgrounds initially struggled with sophisticated phishing attempts. This paper outlines the module design, pilot implementation findings, and discusses implications for enhancing online safety awareness.
Broadfoot et al. (Thu,) studied this question.