STATE OF CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AMONG HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS OF BOGOMOLETS NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the level of cybersecurity awareness among higher education students of Bogomolets National Medical University in the context of active digitalization of the educational process and the medical sector.Based on a survey of students pursuing the first (bachelor’s) and second (master’s) levels of higher education, the level of their knowledge, practical skills, and readiness to counter the most common cyber threats was assessed. The findings indicate that although most respondents recognize the fundamental importance of cybersecurity for their future professional activities, a significant proportion of students possess fragmented or superficial knowledge of key concepts – such as phishing, medical data confidentiality, password management principles, and safe online behavior – while their practical skills often remain insufficiently developed.Particular attention is drawn to the low level of understanding of methods for protecting patients’ confidential information, which is critically important for future healthcare professionals. The survey revealed several key challenges faced by students in the context of cyber protection, including insufficient frequency of password updates, inconsistent use of antivirus tools, and limited ability to identify malicious messages. Nevertheless, nearly 80% of respondents acknowledged the high importance of cybersecurity in their future professional work, and more than 70% expressed their willingness to improve their level of digital literacy.Based on the research results, the authors highlight the need for implementing targeted educational programs, training sessions, and integrating digital security components into existing academic disciplines. Enhancing the cybersecurity literacy of higher education students will contribute not only to protecting personal data but also to strengthening the overall digital resilience of the medical sector, which increasingly relies on information systems, telemedicine, and online services.