SIMULATION OF ANDROID BASED CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING PROGRAM

The rapid proliferation of Android-powered mobile devices has transformed digital life by making smartphones the central hub for communication, banking, education, and commerce. However, this growth has simultaneously expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals who exploit human vulnerabilities through sophisticated phishing, smishing, ransomware, and malware attacks. Traditional cybersecurity awareness training methods—often delivered through static lectures or text-based modules—have proven insufficient in equipping users with the practical skills required to recognize and respond effectively to mobile-specific threats. This research, titled Simulation of Android-Based Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program: An Interactive Approach to Enhancing Mobile Security, seeks to bridge that gap by developing an Android-based simulation application that delivers experiential, interactive, and context-aware training to improve users’ cybersecurity awareness and behaviour. The study adopts an experiential learning framework, emphasizing a “learning-by-doing” approach where users engage in realistic simulations of common mobile attacks within a controlled environment. Through interactive modules, assessments, and real-time feedback, users learn to identify phishing messages, manage app permissions, recognize insecure networks, and adopt secure browsing and password practices. The system’s architecture integrates adaptive features for user tracking and personalized recommendations, ensuring continuous engagement and skill reinforcement. Evaluation of the system’s performance focuses on usability, user engagement, and knowledge retention to determine its effectiveness compared to traditional awareness training approaches. Findings are expected to demonstrate that simulation-based learning significantly enhances user understanding, retention, and real-world application of cybersecurity principles.