BRIDGING THE GAPS: EVALUATING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AND PRACTICES FOR ENHANCED DIGITAL SECURITY

Cybersecurity threats become a normal phenomenal in our daily life due to the advancement of Internet technology and the widespread use of it. To mitigate the risk aside from the advantages of these technology, one of the ways is to educate the users. In this preliminary study we evaluate cybersecurity awareness, practices, and preparedness among respondents, focusing on their knowledge of fundamental concepts, adherence to institutional policies, and incident response capabilities. There are 35 respondents who are among the schoolteachers who taught basic computer subject in various secondary schools in Kuala Muda and Yan districts of Kedah. While 77.7% of respondents are familiar with cybersecurity concepts and 100% demonstrate awareness of critical issues such as phishing and strong passwords, gaps persist in applying cybersecurity measures. Inconsistent password hygiene, low training participation (84.9%), and limited confidence in incident response are notable challenges. Furthermore, only 27.3% of respondents are well-versed in institutional cybersecurity policies. These findings emphasize the need for improved training programs, clearer policy communication, and enhanced institutional support to bolster readiness. Recommendations include expanding educational initiatives, mandating regular password updates, and refining incident response protocols. Addressing these gaps can strengthen organizational cybersecurity defences and create a more secure digital environment, highlighting the urgency of proactive measures to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical implementation.