Comparative Study on Cyber Security Awareness among Urban and Rural Residents with Sustainable Solutions for Risk Mitigation

The digital revolution, while transformative, has introduced unforeseen challenges—chief among them, cybersecurity threats. The level of awareness and implementation of cybersecurity measures often varies significantly across different demographic groups. This study undertakes a comparative evaluation of cybersecurity awareness and practices between urban and rural populations. Data was collected via Google Forms from a broad and diverse group of respondents, assessing parameters such as knowledge of prevalent cyber threats, adoption of secure online behaviours, and overall attitudes towards cybersecurity. The findings reveal marked disparities: urban respondents generally exhibit greater awareness and more proactive cybersecurity practices, whereas rural participants demonstrate limited knowledge and infrequent adoption of protective measures. These results highlight the pressing need for targeted cybersecurity education and interventions tailored to specific demographics. Enhancing cybersecurity awareness in rural regions contributes significantly to overall digital safety and helps in reducing exposure to cyber threats in a more inclusive and sustainable manner