Cybercrime awareness and digital self-protection among Austrian secondary school students

This study investigates Austrian secondary school students’ knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward cybercrime and digital self-protection. Based on a nationwide survey of 656 students, the research offers insights into students’ awareness of internet-related threats, including fake news, deepfakes, and other forms of online manipulation. While a large majority reported familiarity with the concept of cybercrime, male students more frequently indicated higher awareness, greater self-assessed preparedness, and more confidence in their ability to protect themselves, whereas female students more often reported uncertainty or limited preparedness. Age-related patterns were weaker but suggested that older students feel somewhat more prepared, while younger peers show greater interest in additional education. Despite these gaps, students expressed a strong interest in receiving more school-based education on online safety and responsible digital behavior. The findings reveal not only a diversity of protective practices among students, but also a strong call for more engaging and practical approaches to digital education. Many students advocated for workshops, expert lectures, and the integration of cybersecurity content into regular subjects. Through descriptive and comparative analysis of the survey data, this study highlights the pressing need to strengthen digital literacy curricula in ways that address gender-specific patterns, acknowledge the perspectives of diverse students, and equip young people with the competencies necessary to navigate the challenges of an increasingly connected world.