The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently marked Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a campaign, bringing together Information Technology, Protection Services and students from various faculties to raise awareness of cyber threats, address cyberbullying and promote responsible online behaviour.
Observed annually from 1 to 31 October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month encourages individuals and organisations to strengthen digital safety, reduce human-related security risks and defend against evolving cyber threats. The Vanderbijlpark Campus campaign translated this message into action through direct engagement with students and staff, information sharing and interactive awareness sessions.
The initiative comes amid research highlighting the prevalence of cyberbullying among South African university students and its potential effects on their psychological well-being, privacy and academic performance.
A study conducted among students at a university in the Eastern Cape found that 36% of respondents had experienced cyberbullying, while 74,6% considered it a serious problem at their university. These findings underscore the importance of awareness and prevention initiatives in higher-education institutions.
At the Vanderbijlpark Campus, teams were stationed at both campus gates, distributing informational pamphlets and engaging with staff about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the importance of adopting safe online practices.
Student teams also engaged with their peers across campus, sharing information about the campaign and encouraging them to attend cyberbullying awareness sessions held outside the library.
The interactive sessions focused on cyberbullying, giving students an opportunity to discuss the issue, test their knowledge through quizzes and learn more about responsible digital conduct. Prizes were awarded to quiz winners, encouraging participation while reinforcing key cybersecurity messages.
Shamla Naidoo, IT manager at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, emphasised the importance of a collective approach to cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance, universities can strengthen their security posture, protect sensitive information, support a safer digital learning environment, and contribute to the continuity of teaching, learning and research,” said Shamla.
The campaign highlighted common cyber threats, including phishing, identity theft, data breaches, online scams and malware. Students and staff were encouraged to recognise potential risks, protect their personal information and take greater responsibility for safeguarding the digital resources of the university.
Beyond technical security, the initiative highlighted the importance of responsible digital citizenship and the consequences of harmful online behaviour. Cyberbullying can involve online harassment, threats, public humiliation and the unauthorised sharing of private information, with potentially serious consequences for those affected.
Research among South African tertiary-education students has also highlighted the potential impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem and academic performance. A 2025 study reported low self-esteem among affected students and found that cyberbullying could be associated with declining academic results. Such findings reinforce the need for universities to promote awareness, encourage responsible online engagement and ensure that students know where to seek assistance when they experience online harassment.
Shamla highlighted that raising awareness empowers the university community to recognise potential threats, adopt safe online practices and take responsibility for protecting both personal and institutional information.
“The campaign was well received, with heightened awareness of the importance of managing digital spaces responsibly. The initiative served as a reminder that cybersecurity extends beyond technology and security systems: it also depends on informed decisions, responsible online behaviour and the collective efforts of individuals to protect one another in an increasingly connected world,” she said.
Information Technology, Protection Services and students from various faculties joined forces to raise awareness of cyber security.
