Authors : Romer M. Real; Kristine T. Soberano

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5npm4zyn

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mjzs4da8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2024

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Cybersecurity has become a critical concern in modern digital work environments where sensitive information is routinely exchanged through online platforms. Virtual assistants (VAs), who perform administrative, operational, and technical tasks remotely, frequently handle confidential data such as financial records, client databases, and internal communications. Despite their growing presence in the digital labor market, limited research has examined cybersecurity awareness and data protection behaviors among virtual assistants. This study aimed to assess cybersecurity awareness and examine its influence on data protection practices among remote virtual assistants. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, with data collected from 232 virtual assistants through an online questionnaire. The study measured cybersecurity awareness, security training, and data protection practices using a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that cybersecurity awareness (M = 3.14) and data protection practices (M = 3.13) were at a moderate level. A strong positive relationship was found between cybersecurity awareness and data protection practices (r = 0.60), while security training showed a moderate relationship (r = 0.34). The findings suggest that improving cybersecurity awareness plays a significant role in enhancing secure practices among virtual assistants. Regression results further confirmed that cybersecurity awareness is a significant predictor of data protection practices. The regression model explained 41.6% of the variance in data protection practices.

Keywords : Cybersecurity Awareness; Data Protection; Information Security; Remote Work; Virtual Assistant.

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