Gender Disparities in Cybersecurity Awareness, Practices, and Knowledge: A Comparative Study of Omani and Filipino University Students

Cybersecurity has become a critical global concern as digital threats continue to escalate, impacting individuals, organizations, and nations. However, gender disparities in cybersecurity awareness, practices, and knowledge undermine collective security efforts. This study employs a comparative analysis research design to investigate these disparities among Oman and the Philippines university students. Data were collected from students enrolled in technical programs across multiple universities using a structured questionnaire. The study mainly focuses on how educational environments and cultural contexts influence these differences. Findings reveal that Filipino students, especially those from public universities, exhibit significantly higher cybersecurity awareness and knowledge levels than their Omani counterparts. Despite no significant overall gender differences in awareness and knowledge, notable disparities in cybersecurity practices were uncovered, indicating that male and female students differ in how they apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. These results highlight the need for culturally sensitive educational programs addressing gender and institutional contexts to promote consistent and proactive cybersecurity behaviors globally.