Cyber Hygiene and Online Victimization Avoidance: Findings from a Simulated SMishing Attack

• In Event: The Future is Cyber(crime): Findings from the Cybercrime Interdisciplinary Behavior Research (CIBR) Laboratory at USF

Abstract

Prior studies examining online victimization rely almost exclusively on self-reported measures. This is problematic because participants of these studies may be unaware of past victimization experiences or be unable to adequately assess their engagement in self-protective behaviors. The current study fills this gap in the literature by assessing actual, rather than perceived, engagement in self-protective behaviors. After a general survey, we launch simulated SMishing attacks against participants of the study to see if engagement in self-protective behaviors reduces susceptibility to victimization. Lastly, we test the direct, indirect, and moderating effect of various criminological constructs on SMishing victimization. Findings, and their relevance to proactive policy development, are discussed.

Authors

• C. Jordan Howell, University of South Florida

• Caitlyn Muniz, The University of Texas at El Paso

• Taylor Fisher, University of South Florida

• Yolanda Rotzinger, The University of Texas at El Paso