Regardless of the career field a college graduate enters, personal computer literacy is a necessary requirement. Personal computer security literacy has become just as important as proficiency in office application software for today’s typical employee. Effectively dealing with technology security concerns and issues cannot be solely learned through personal experiences. Current research on young adults and students shows that 7 out of 10 often disregard Information Technology (IT) policies, and 3 out of 5 believe they are not accountable for safeguarding information and devices. In the past (pre-2000), the IT department's strict control over the infrastructure mitigated the consequences of poor IT habits, but the current prevalence of digital devices (smartphones, etc.) and social media platforms has created new security vulnerabilities. Just as other organizations, educational institutions have a vested interest in providing personal computer security training to ensure that their students are equipped with the necessary skills for using business application software and for safeguarding information and devices. Not only are students integral parts of an institutions' networks, but preparing students for life after university is a fundamental responsibility of educational institutions, and students represent the school to everyone they interact with after graduation. Similarly to business organizations, educational institutions may want to consider implementing periodic web-based ethical and security awareness training for their staff, faculty, and students. The University of Mount Olive's Computer Security and Applied Computer Science program addressed this challenge of technology/business computer security literacy by introducing a new e-learning solution in 2010. They created a customized, self-paced, web-based end user digital security awareness tutorial that includes questions at the end of each learning module to reinforce the material and enhance student retention. In 2020 and later, as new aspects of cyber security surfaced, the online cyber security interactive educational tool underwent modifications to reflect the new evolving reality. As students become more proficient in using security best practices, their confidence, proficiency, and engagement in the class material also improve, leading to enhanced progress throughout their undergraduate program and increasing the likelihood of program completion.

Keywords: Education, information technology, organizational change, program quality, professional development, cyber security, workplace competencies.