Fortifying Information System and Cybersecurity in Engineering Education: A Thematic Review

Abstract

In today's digital landscape, the seamless integration of robust information systems and cybersecurity into engineering education is critical for preparing future engineers to tackle complex cyber threats. However, current engineering curricula often lack sufficient focus on these critical domains, creating a gap that must be addressed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cyber threats. This paper aims to address this gap by recommending strategies to enhance cybersecurity and information system integration in engineering programs, emphasizing adapting to emerging technologies. A systematic literature review conducted using Scopus and Mendeley databases identified 98 publications from 2013 to 2022, of which 67 were deemed relevant after filtering for duplicates and irrelevance. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the literature into five main themes, offering insights into key challenges and opportunities for integrating cybersecurity into engineering education. The study finds that adaptation to the evolving cybersecurity landscape and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration are pivotal to advancing curricula. This study concludes that adapting curricula to the evolving cybersecurity landscape is essential for equipping graduates with the skills needed to protect tomorrow's digital infrastructure. Further research is recommended to assess these integrations' long-term impact on graduates and explore how emerging technologies will continue to reshape educational paradigms.