Modelling Cybersecurity Knowledge and Attitudes of Online Users

Abstract:

Individuals and organizations are persistently being exploited by cybercriminals. With the increased dependence on the Internet, cyberattacks have become even more prominent. However, many of the Internet users under prioritize their online safety, and fall victims. Their unawareness and negligence of cybersecurity poses devastating consequences. It is thus essential to analyze the factors affecting the behaviours of online users which influence their vulnerability to cyberattacks. In this study, a conceptual model was developed for the cybersecurity knowledge and attitudes of Internet users. Three varia-bles such as the cybersecurity knowledge of online users, trust in Internet safety and unwillingness to adopt defense strate-gies were identified in the model. The relationship between the variables is thus established. Using the survey data gathered from 250 respondents, it was discovered from analysis that the proposed variables have great correlation and are sufficient to model the behaviours of online users.

Keywords: Cybersecurity, Cyberattacks, Internet, Online users, Cybersecurity knowledge