Taipei Technical University students' perceptions of Internet security and their willingness to use computer resources

This study assessed Taiwanese university students' perceptions of network security factors in contemporary applications of networking in higher education, as well as potentially related issues of computer anxiety, knowledge of network threats, knowledge of Internet security techniques, confidence in Internet security prevention measures, and Internet security software technology acceptance. The study was conducted at Chung Kuo Institute of Technology (CKIT), Taipei, Taiwan, in the second semester (2006) of the 2005 academic year.;A total of 596 students were randomly selected from 1,527 undergraduate students who were enrolled in the Information College. The study considered differences in the levels of respondent Internet security perceptions and respondent willingness to use Internet security prevention tools. Demographic variables of gender, age, academic majors, frequency of daily Internet surfing, and the number of network classes taken in traditional education were analyzed.;This study found that male students tended to possess more knowledge of Internet security techniques and were less anxious about Internet security threats than females. Older students (age 21-25) who had more knowledge of Internet security techniques tended be more aware of Internet security threats. Internet surfing experience levels did influence students' perceptions of computer usefulness, knowledge of Internet security threats, knowledge of Internet security techniques, and anxiety.;Faculty need awareness that students require active learning and much discussion to increase their levels of experience and self-efficacy to aid their understanding and capabilities to resolve Internet security threat issues. For Internet security experts, campuses need to be vigilant about network security and develop campus-wide strategies to maintain more safe environments for Internet users.