Cybersecurity Awareness in Public Schools: the Case of Western Cape Township

Authors

Odwa Mapongwana, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Salah Kabanda, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Ronald Chiwariro, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.ONSG3715

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

This study examined the complicated landscape of cybersecurity awareness in township-based public schools, highlighting the critical need for preventative measures to lessen cyberattacks. The development of internet access and digital technology usage across a wide range of demographic groups necessitates the importance of understanding the dynamics of cybersecurity awareness among students. The study used a qualitative research methodology to identify the many aspects of cybersecurity awareness through data analytic tools, document analysis and interviews. Educators' semi-structured interviews yielded insightful information. The study emphasises how crucial it is to raise cybersecurity awareness in public schools located in township regions. The findings of this study emphasise the necessity of thorough cybersecurity awareness in these institutions, given the increasing importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education. The study found significant obstacles, such as a dearth of cybersecurity instructional materials and educators' lack of subject-matter expertise, which is supported by previous research.

Keywords

Cybersecurity Awareness, Cybercrime, Cyberbullying, Public Schools, Western Cape Township

Cite this paper

O. Mapongwana, S. Kabanda and R. Chiwariro (2026) "Cybersecurity Awareness in Public Schools: the Case of Western Cape Township", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.ONSG3715

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