Record and Library Journal
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): June

Digital Literacy Skills and Cybercrime Preparedness Among Higher Education Students: A Belshaw Framework Approach

Arin Prajawinanti (Islamic Library and Information Science, Universitas Islam Negeri Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah, Tulungagung)
Nurul Setyawati Handayani (Islamic Library and Information Science, Universitas Islam Negeri Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah, Tulungagung)
Dewi Alifatul Wasi'ah (Master of Science in Information and Library Studies, Universitas Airlangga)
Indah Novitasari (Human Centred Computing, Monash University)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background of the study: Students are active digital technology users, making them highly vulnerable to hacking, phishing, and digital crime, which highlights the urgent need for digital literacy to protect against cybercrime. Purpose: This study examines the digital literacy levels of students at UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung, the factors affecting it, and strategies to mitigate cybercrime risks. Method: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods design was adopted. Quantitative data was gathered from 393 respondents via stratified random sampling using a 30-item Likert questionnaire, analyzed using simple linear regression. Qualitative data originated from semi-structured interviews with five purposively sampled informants, followed by thematic analysis and source triangulation. Findings: Overall digital literacy scored 88%, highest in cultural competence (96%) and lowest in creative production (75%). Cybercrime anticipation averaged 88%, yet 20-25% of students neglected technical safeguards like antivirus and two-factor authentication. Regression analysis ($\beta = 0.653$, $t = 19.986$, $F = 399.454$, $R^2 = 0.506$, $p < .001$) confirmed digital literacy significantly predicts cybercrime preparedness. Qualitative analysis identified additional determinants: emotional self-regulation under threat and engagement with safety content. Conclusion: Digital literacy exerts a meaningful influence on student readiness to counter cybercrime. Nonetheless, deficits in technical security habits indicate competence-based measures alone are insufficient. Institutions are urged to embed continuous digital safety education across the curriculum.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

RLJ

Publisher

Subject

Library & Information Science

Description

Record and Library Journal, with the registered number (E-ISSN: 2442-5168). It is a scientific journal that encompasses library science, records, information, and documentation. Record and Library Journal is a medium for researchers, academicians, professionals, practitioners, and students that are ...