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Assessment of Cybersecurity Knowledge and Behavior: An Anti-phishing Scenario

Authors:
Ping An Wang

Keywords: cybersecurity; phishing; knowledge; assessment

Abstract:
This paper focuses on the cybersecurity risk of online phishing and anti-phishing solutions to study user knowledge of phishing risks and intention to use anti-phishing solutions. Online phishing has become a major avenue for cyberattacks and a common cause for identity theft and financial losses. The availability of online security and anti-phishing solutions has been on the rise. However, there has been little research focus and consensus on assessing the effect of users’ knowledge of cybersecurity risks and technology solutions on their acceptance and adoptions of cybersecurity solutions. This study proposes a novel model of assessment of users’ cybersecurity knowledge and acceptance, which consists of both direct objective assessment and indirect self-assessment. The research model is designed to evaluate the relationship between online users’ technical knowledge and competence in cybersecurity risks (i.e., online phishing risks) and their behavioral intention to use cybersecurity (i.e., anti-phishing) technology solutions. This study employs a survey method that measures end users’ knowledge and competence of anti-phishing techniques and their intention to adopt and use anti-phishing solutions. Statistical analysis of the data collected suggests a positive correlation between users’ technical knowledge of online phishing risks and solutions and their intention to adopt and use anti-phishing solutions. A positive correlation also appears between the direct assessment answers and self-assessment responses.

Pages: 1 to 7

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2013

Publication date: June 23, 2013

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-3980

ISBN: 978-1-61208-281-3

Location: Rome, Italy

Dates: from June 23, 2013 to June 28, 2013