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Information Security Behavior: Development of a Measurement Instrument Based on the Self-determination Theory

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Human Aspects of Information Security and Assurance (HAISA 2020)

Abstract

Employee information security behaviour is important in securing an organisation’s information technology resources. Employees can act in a risky or secure manner. Improving employee information security behaviour is important for organisations and should follow an assessment of their behaviour. A robust measuring instrument is a necessity for effectively assessing information security behaviour. In this study, a questionnaire was developed based on the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire and self-determination theory and validated statistically. Data obtained through a quantitative survey (N = 263) at a South African university was used to validate the questionnaire. The result is a questionnaire that has internally consistent items, as shown by the results of the reliability analysis. Universities can use the questionnaire to identify developmental areas to improve information security from a behaviour perspective.

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Acknowledgment

This work is based on research supported by the University of South Africa’s Women in Research Grant.

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Correspondence to Yotamu Gangire .

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Gangire, Y., Da Veiga, A., Herselman, M. (2020). Information Security Behavior: Development of a Measurement Instrument Based on the Self-determination Theory. In: Clarke, N., Furnell, S. (eds) Human Aspects of Information Security and Assurance. HAISA 2020. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 593. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57404-8_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57404-8_12

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