Information security education: a thematic trend analysis

Area of Science:

• Information Security
• Educational Research
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Rapid advancements in information technology have escalated information security risks.
• There is a growing body of literature emphasizing the need for data security education.
• Professional education is essential for organizations to mitigate these evolving threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify thematic trends in information security education.
• To answer five specific research questions regarding the field's development.
• To provide a research agenda for future studies in information security education.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Systematic review of 99 documents sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of publication trends, key contributors, and influential journals.

Main Results:

• Quadratic growth in research output, with a peak in 2023.
• Identification of leading researchers (Von Solms, Safa, Furnell) and journals (Computers & Security).
• Significant research influence originating from the United States.

Conclusions:

• Emerging research potential in information security culture, media, regulations, higher education, management, and cybersecurity.
• Identification of research gaps within the current literature.
• A proposed research agenda to guide future investigations in information security education.