Introduction:

This thesis examines the preparedness of students at BTH (Blekinge Institute of Technology) in recognizing and responding to social engineering cyber threats. Given the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, which incurs significant economic costs and compromises sensitive data, the importance of effective cybersecurity training cannot be overstated.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to get an understanding of whether BTH prepares its students for social engineering cyber threats.

Methods:

The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating cyber threat analysis, course reviews, and surveys targeting both students and program managers, to assess the current state of awareness and training provided.

Results:

Results indicate a significant gap between industry and academia at BTH. Students often feel unprepared, and program managers are unsure of what is taught in their programs.

Conclusion:

Based on these findings, the thesis proposes actionable recommendations for enhancing curriculum and training practices at the university level. Ultimately, the goals are to mitigate risks associated with social engineering attacks and to better equip students for the challenges of the cybersecurity landscape.