Determinants of University Students’ Awareness of Social Engineering Attacks: A Case Study in the UAE

Abstract Book of the 12th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Education

Year: 2026

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Determinants of University Students’ Awareness of Social Engineering Attacks: A Case Study in the UAE

Dr. Rami ALjbour, Dr. Enass Alquqa, Shaikha Aishah Al-Sharqi , Zainab AL-Shamsi

ABSTRACT:

The rapid advancement of technology systems in societies, along with people’ significant dependence on them, has incited perpetrators to execute cyberattacks, sometimes referred to as “social engineering,” to infiltrate these systems and exploit them for personal gain in many ways. Social engineering transpires when an attacker coerces an individual into divulging secret information or committing errors that compromise their personal security or the safety of their university Social engineering assaults manifest in several ways, including phishing, impersonation, enticement, and honey traps. Moreover, the advent of artificial intelligence has enhanced the technique of social engineering, rendering it more perilous for many youths susceptible to fear of missing out (FOMO) and inclined to take risks. This research seeks to assess and examine the degree of social engineering awareness among university students in the United Arab Emirates and the reasons leading to their deficiencies, since this lack of awareness. Moreover, assessing university students’ knowledge of cyberattacks facilitates the extrapolation of results to students at other institutions, therefore aiding in the formulation of cybersecurity rules and protocols for their online activities.
The study utilizes a descriptive-analytical framework using a social survey technique. An internet survey will be sent to all students on campus to collect their feedback. Anticipated outcomes, subsequent to rigorous statistical research, reveal many aspects that directly affect students’ knowledge of social engineering. The study’s key suggestions include the establishment of a policy program that mandates awareness training for all students and the incorporation of digital literacy and everyday security policies into the mandatory curriculum for students in the UAE to safeguard their safety.

Keywords: Social Engineering Attacks, University Students, UAE, Phishing, Pretexting, FOMO