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In the age of digitalization, threats such as phishing and malicious spam pose a considerable risk to the security of personal and organizational data. This research, carried out at the East Panama Regional University Center and the Tortí University Extension of the University of Panama, evaluated awareness and digital security practices in the face of these threats.The objective was to identify the knowledge and deficiencies of the educational community in recognizing and responding to fraudulent emails. A quantitative empirical methodology was used through surveys, which measured risk perception, knowledge to identify fraudulent emails, and actions taken against social engineering attacks and crime prevention.The results revealed significant gaps in knowledge about how to identify and handle fraudulent emails, which increases vulnerability to data theft, despite awareness of the risk. The need to design digital literacy and cybersecurity programs in educational learning environments is highlighted. Strategies to strengthen resilience and prevent cybercrime are proposed, emphasizing the importance of digital education and security policies to mitigate the risks of malicious email.
