Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students in India — A 2025 Report by BharatSec By Mukesh K. Rana

Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students in India — A 2025 Report by BharatSec By Mukesh K. Rana

Cyber Security Researcher & CEO, Bharat Security (BharatSec)

 

Abstract

This report analyzes the current level of cybersecurity awareness among Indian students in 2025. As digital learning, social media, and online transactions become part of daily student life, cyber threats targeting young users have rapidly increased. BharatSec conducted this awareness study to identify the most common risks, behavioral gaps, and preventive needs among students across different regions of India.

1. Introduction

The youth of India are more connected than ever before. Smartphones, online education platforms, and social media have opened countless opportunities — but they’ve also created a massive attack surface for cybercriminals.

Phishing, data leaks, fake scholarship scams, and social media manipulation are now common issues among school and college students. Yet, cybersecurity education remains limited in most institutions.

To address this gap, Bharat Security (BharatSec) initiated a nationwide Cyber Awareness Campaign and conducted surveys and interactive sessions with over 1,000 students between late 2024 and early 2025.

2. Objective of the Study

• To assess students’ understanding of online threats.

• To measure their exposure to real-life cyber incidents.

• To identify awareness gaps and preventive behaviors.

• To recommend practical solutions for schools, colleges, and parents.

 

3. Key Findings

a. Awareness Levels

• 68% of students had heard of phishing or online scams but couldn’t identify real examples.

• Only 21% knew about data privacy laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP 2023).

• 54% admitted to sharing personal details on public platforms without checking security settings.

b. Most Common Cyber Incidents Reported

1. Fake scholarship links and job scams.

2. Instagram and WhatsApp account hacking attempts.

3. Online game frauds and OTP misuse.

4. Cyber-bullying and impersonation on social media.

c. Behavior Patterns

• 72% used the same password for multiple accounts.

• 40% didn’t know how to enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication).

• 63% downloaded third-party apps from unknown sources.

4. Impact of Awareness Programs by BharatSec

During BharatSec’s free cyber awareness sessions in schools and colleges:

• 87% of participants said they understood new ways to identify scams.

• 76% enabled two-step verification within a week after the session.

• Teachers and parents requested follow-up training modules for the next academic year.

These numbers show that short, practical education programs can drastically improve digital safety among students.

5. Recommendations

1. Integrate Cybersecurity Education into the school curriculum.

2. Conduct Awareness Workshops every semester, led by certified experts.

3. Promote Real-Life Case Studies to help students relate better.

4. Use Gamified Learning Tools to make cybersecurity engaging.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement — awareness should begin at home.

6. Conclusion

Cybersecurity awareness among students in India has improved but remains far from ideal. Continuous education and hands-on demonstrations are the keys to protecting the next generation from evolving digital threats.

BharatSec remains committed to empowering students with the right knowledge, practical defense skills, and a safer digital future for India.

About BharatSec

Bharat Security (BharatSec) is an Indian cybersecurity organization founded by Mukesh K. Rana, focusing on digital protection, ethical hacking, and awareness initiatives. The company’s mission is to make India cyber safe through education, innovation, and expert security services.