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Perceived Vulnerability As a Determinant of Increased Risk for Cybersecurity Risk Behavior
Scott M Debb1, Marnee K McClellan1
1Department of Psychology-M.S. CyberPsychology Program, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|September 17, 2021
Summary
Understanding cybersecurity vulnerability is key to online safety. This study found that a person's belief in their ability to handle cyber risks, rather than their actual knowledge, predicts their perceived vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Information Security
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Cybersecurity (CS) attitudes and behaviors are influenced by perceived vulnerability to CS risks.
- Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) frameworks explain the link between risk perception and behavior.
- Human behavior remains critical in mitigating cyber threats despite technological advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate information security attitudes and behaviors contributing to perceived CS vulnerability.
- To examine the relationship between self-efficacy in understanding CS risks and perceived vulnerability.
- To explore the role of experience appraisal versus actual knowledge in perceived vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 612 college students from two US public universities participated.
- Participants completed a demographic survey and the Online Security Behavior and Beliefs Questionnaire.
- Internal reliability of the instrument was assessed, and linear regression was used to analyze predictors of perceived vulnerability.
Main Results:
- Perceived vulnerability positively correlated with multiple subscales of the questionnaire.
- Self-efficacy in understanding CS risks predicted perceived vulnerability, possibly due to social desirability bias.
- Appraisal of experience appeared more influential on perceived vulnerability than actual knowledge or competence.
Conclusions:
- Perceived cybersecurity vulnerability is significantly influenced by an individual's belief in their capability to manage risks.
- Self-reported competence may be inflated by social desirability, impacting vulnerability assessments.
- Future research should consider the role of experiential appraisal in cybersecurity behavior and decision-making.
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