A-LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE PROJECT
Project Title
Raising Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students at Grandview College
STAGE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Problem Description
Cybersecurity has become a major concern in educational institutions due to the
increasing use of computers, smartphones and the internet. At Grandview College , many
students use online platforms for learning, communication and social networking.
However, investigations have shown that many students have limited knowledge of
cybersecurity. Some learners use weak passwords, share personal information online,
click on suspicious links and are unable to identify phishing emails and online scams.
These unsafe online practices expose students to hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying,
malware attacks and loss of personal information. There is therefore a need to raise
cybersecurity awareness among students so that they can protect themselves and use
digital technologies safely.
1.2 Statement of Intent
The project aims to raise cybersecurity awareness among students at Grandview College
by educating them on common cyber threats, safe internet practices and responsible
digital behaviour through professionally designed awareness materials.
1.3 Design Specification
The project should:
• Identify common cybersecurity threats affecting students.
• Collect information through questionnaires.
• Analyse students' level of cybersecurity awareness.
• Design professional cybersecurity awareness materials using computer software.
• Include posters, brochures and QR codes linking to cybersecurity resources.
• Use attractive graphics and simple language.
• Improve students' understanding of safe internet practices.
STAGE 2: INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS
2.1 Existing Solution 1
Cybersecurity Awareness Workshops
Schools invite ICT professionals to educate students about online safety.
Advantages
• Students interact with experts.
• Information is accurate.
• Students ask questions directly.
Disadvantages
• Expensive to organise.
• Requires guest speakers.
• Conducted only occasionally.
2.2 Existing Solution 2
Distribution of Cybersecurity Brochures
Schools provide printed brochures containing cybersecurity information.
Advantages
• Cheap to produce.
• Easy to distribute.
• Students can keep them.
Disadvantages
• Many students do not read them.
• Easily damaged or lost.
• Limited visual appeal.
2.3 Existing Solution 3
Digital Awareness Campaigns
Schools share cybersecurity information using social media and websites.
Advantages
• Reaches many students quickly.
• Easy to update.
• Interactive.
Disadvantages
• Depends on internet access.
• Some students ignore online posts.
• Requires continuous management.
Analysis of Existing Solutions
Although workshops provide detailed information, they are expensive and not held
regularly. Brochures are inexpensive but often fail to attract attention. Digital campaigns
are effective but depend on internet access. Therefore, an improved awareness solut ion is
required.
STAGE 3: DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS
Modified Solution 1
Cybersecurity Posters with QR Codes
Professionally designed posters are created using graphic design software. Each poster
includes QR codes linking to trusted cybersecurity resources.
Merits
• Attractive and eye-catching.
• Easy to access more information.
• Long -lasting.
Demerits
• Requires printing costs.
• QR codes require smartphones.
• Posters may fade over time.
Modified Solution 2
Interactive Cybersecurity Infographics
Large digital infographics explain cyber threats using diagrams, icons and illustrations.
Merits
• Easy to understand.
• Attractive presentation.
• Improves learning.
Demerits
• Requires graphic design skills.
• Printing can be costly.
• Requires regular updates.
Modified Solution 3
Combined Awareness Campaign
A combination of posters, brochures and QR codes is used throughout the college.
Merits
• Reaches many students.
• Uses different learning methods.
• Improves awareness effectively.
Demerits
• More expensive.
• Takes longer to prepare.
• Requires regular maintenance.
Analysis of Modified Solutions
Modified Solution 3 was selected because it combines several awareness methods, making
it more effective than using a single approach.
STAGE 4: DEVELOPMENT OF IDEA S
4.1 Chosen Solution
The chosen solution is a combined cybersecurity awareness campaign using
professionally designed posters, brochures and QR codes.
4.2 Justification
• Raises awareness effectively.
• Uses modern Computer Science tools.
• Attractive and easy to understand.
• Can reach all students.
• Cost-effective compared to workshops.
4.3 Refinements Made
The following improvements were made:
• Bright colours were used.
• Cybersecurity icons were added.
• QR codes were linked to online safety resources.
• Simple language was used.
• Large fonts improved readability.
• College logo was added for authenticity.
STAGE 5: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
5.1 Data Collection
A questionnaire was distributed to 50 students .
Results
Question Yes No
Know what phishing is 18 32
Use strong passwords 21 29
Know how to identify scams 17 33
Learned something after viewing the awareness materials 46 4
5.2 Interpretation
The questionnaire showed that many students had limited cybersecurity knowledge before
the project. After viewing the awareness materials, most students reported improved
understanding of phishing, password security and safe internet use.
5.3 Final Solution
The following materials were designed using computer software:
• Cybersecurity awareness posters
• Information brochures
• QR codes linking to online cybersecurity resources
• Digital infographics
These materials were displayed on notice boards, in classrooms, the computer laboratory
and the library.
5.4 Evaluation of the Solution
The awareness campaign successfully improved students' knowledge of cybersecurity.
Students became more aware of phishing attacks, password security, malware,
cyberbullying and online scams. The posters attracted attention because they used
colourful graph ics, icons and concise information.
STAGE 6: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Relevance to Statement of Intent
The project successfully achieved its aim of raising cybersecurity awareness among
students at Grandview College. The awareness materials educated students on cyber
threats and encouraged responsible digital behaviour.
6.2 Challenges Faced
• Limited printing resources.
• Some students initially ignored the posters.
• QR codes required internet access.
• Limited budget for producing awareness materials.
6.3 Recommendations
• Update the awareness materials regularly.
• Conduct annual cybersecurity awareness campaigns.
• Include cybersecurity lessons during ICT classes.
• Display posters permanently in the computer laboratory and library.
• Encourage students to report suspicious online activities.
6.4 Evaluation
Strengths
• Easy to implement.
• Low cost.
• Attractive presentation.
• Improves digital literacy.
• Sustainable and easy to update.
Limitations
• Some students may still ignore the materials.
• Printed posters may become damaged over time.
• Continuous updates are needed as cyber threats evolve.