Measuring Wireless Security Knowledge of a South Central State's Community Colleges' Information Technology Staff: A Quantitative Study

The literature review process demonstrated that colleges and universities are lagging behind their private sector counterparts in terms of providing wireless security to end users and to those whose personal data they are entrusted to protect. The research problem in this study addressed that south central community college IT staff in a southern state may or may not possess the knowledge to secure and maintain college wireless networks. This research used a quantitative methodology to test for statistically significant differences in means. Specifically, this study sought to investigate whether or not there was a statistical difference in Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless Specialization Self-Study Practice examination scores among information technology staff at south central community colleges in a southern state, based on whether they had a wireless certification and years of experience. The sample size for this study was n=57 community college IT staff. ANOVA was used to analyze the data to answer the research questions and the results of the study showed for certification and years of experience, the F statistic exceeded the F-critical value, therefore, the null hypothesis were rejected. With some degree of causal inference, findings from the analysis of mean scores indicate IT staff would benefit by preparing for and receiving subsequent wireless certification. Findings support how a wireless certification provides reputational benefits that increase stakeholders' confidence in managing wireless networks. Recommendations for further research include how college students and staff use wireless networks, and their perceptions of security procedures, password protection policies, and physical security of personal devices.