A Latent Profile Analysis of Middle School Students' Cyber Resilience: Educational Implications Based on NIST Framework

OpenAlex · English

This study classifies middle school students' cyber resilience (CR) levels using Latent Profile Analysis based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Data from 2,483 Turkish middle school students revealed four distinct profiles: Advanced CR, Intermediate CR, Low CR, and Developing CR. Results showed that prior exposure to cybersecurity threats significantly influenced resilience levels, while gender differences were non-significant. The findings emphasize the need for differentiated, profile-based educational interventions. For the Low CR Profile, basic concepts and risk recognition are prioritized. The Developing CR Profile focuses on data protection strategies. The Intermediate CR Profile includes threat detection and security monitoring. The Advanced CR Profile emphasizes incident response and recovery strategies. By implementing adaptive learning platforms tailored to students' resilience profiles, educators can better equip students with essential cybersecurity skills for navigating the digital landscape safely and effectively.