Digital skills in administrators of a polytechnic institute Use of TICCAD for institutional computer security

Abstract

The behaviours aimed at guaranteeing computer security are part of the profile of essential professional competencies in administrative employees of higher education institutions (HEIs). In accordance with the above, the objective of this research was to identify the digital skills of administrative employees for the safe use of digital information, communication, knowledge and learning technologies (TICCAD) in the Polytechnic Institute of Santiago, Dominican Republic. To achieve the above, a qualitative study was carried out, through a hermeneutic-dialectical approach. The participants were 13 administrative employees selected through a theoretical sampling, to whom a questionnaire with open questions was applied, elaborated from deductive categories, and validated by experts. The information analysis process was carried out by a categorization system, with which it was possible to identify the emerging categories of, a) computer security and good use of technologies, b) penetration or hacking of information, c) difficulties with the use of technology and d) digital literacy. The results postulate that the participants have basic knowledge of computer security, however, vulnerabilities are identified in the institutional security system that affect administrative processes and stimulate inadequate administrative practices. A moderate level is determined in the digital skills of the employees, with a low level of knowledge about tools for the execution of administrative tasks, in contrast to the high use of social networks during working hours. It concludes with the need to train-train in digital skills to establish safe computer behaviors and, therefore, greater effectiveness in institutional administrative processes.