IMPACT OF DIGITAL LITERACY ON INTERNET SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN FCT

Résumé

The study investigates the impact of digital literacy on internet security consciousness among undergraduate students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to; access the digital literacy skills among undergraduate students in F.C.T., evaluate the level of digital literacy skills and establish challenges encountered in the acquisition of digital literacy skills. A quantitative research methodology and survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using questionnaire administered to 381 respondents out of which 380 returned the completed questionnaire. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, tables and simple percentages. The results revealed that while undergraduate students possessed moderate digital literacy skills, particularly in the use of productivity software, online search, and communication tools, many struggled with critically evaluating online information sources. Findings also showed that students demonstrated relatively high levels of digital literacy. Furthermore, awareness of internet security practices, including the use of strong passwords and recognition of secure websites, was found to positively influence students’ online behaviors and confidence in academic engagement. Despite these strengths, challenges such as unreliable internet access, insufficient training, high cost of devices, and limited institutional programs were identified as significant barriers to digital literacy acquisition. Based on these findings, the study recommends that universities strengthen training programs to improve students’ critical evaluation skills, reinforce internet security awareness, and integrate digital literacy programs into academic curricula. In addition, stakeholders should address infrastructural and financial barriers by providing affordable internet access, subsidized digital devices, and structured digital literacy initiatives to support safer and more effective use of technology in higher education