DIGITAL SECURITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The article reveals the need for digital security in higher education. Such necessity is caused by the global threat not only to education, but also to human life and security of the country of epidemic uncontrolled spread of fake information. It was found out that the problem of counteracting the spread of fake information in Ukraine is the subject of discussions among politicians, economists, journalists, IT-specialists, doctors, as well as scientists and practitioners in the field of education. This is reflected in a number of documents and scientific studies devoted to this problem. Ukrainian practice demonstrates certain steps to introduce measures at the legislative level to combat fake content. The article analyzes the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens of Ukraine, developed in 2021 on the basis of the European conceptual and reference model of digital competence for citizens DigComp 2.1: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. In particular, such component as security in the digital environment is described, to which six competences belong (protection of devices and safe connection to the Internet; protection of personal data and privacy, security on the Internet; protection of personal rights of the consumer against fraud and abuse; protection of health and well-being and environmental protection). The publication reveals the content of each of these competencies and describes the content of the levels of mastery of these digital competencies (basic, medium and high). The publication presents the results of the authors' survey of the level of media literacy and academic virtue of higher education applicants and teachers of higher education institutions in the field of digital security. The structure of the developed questionnaire is described. The individual results of the survey are presented in the form of charts. The survey revealed that teachers and students need to improve digital competence. This, in turn, requires strengthening the digital component of education. Development of special courses on media literacy, fact-checking, critical thinking development, consultation of IT specialists, creation of interdisciplinary courses based on digital learning platforms, etc. The study is supported by the Ukrainian Association of Educational Researchers as part of a small grants competition for major projects by UAER members.

Key words: digital security; digital competence; digitization; media literacy; academic integrity; Higher Education.