Self-Control, Cyber Security and Online Privacy

• In Event: Online and Offline Criminogenic Factors that shape Computer User’s Susceptibility to Cybercrime Victimization

Abstract

Most of the research on computer-focused crimes (e.g., system trespassing, malicious software and web defacement) is focused on technological aspects of this issue. However a crucial factor for the success of these technological solutions is the ability of the users to adopt and implement the use of such technology. Such implementation is dependent on the users and their behavior and as such makes the human factor the week spot in the system and in some cases even an obstacle to its defense. 
Our study focuses on legitimate computer users and the ways to deter them from engaging in online risky behaviors that can expose them and their computers to online attacks. Based on an experiment conducted in Israel we examined how self-control, perceptions of technological familiarity, TRDM, and financial incentives affect the willingness of internet users to give up their online privacy and to expose their mobile phone to different hazards. 
Our main findings show that self-control is significantly associated with both the fiscal incentives and the probability to allow access to different access requests. However, perceptions of technological familiarity, decision making patterns and sociodemographic characteristics were not significantly related to such risky behavior.

Authors

• Tamar Berenblum, The Hebrew University

• Tomer Carmel, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Nili Steinfeld, Ariel University

• David Maimon, University of Maryland