Kaspersky and Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee of the Singapore Institute of Technology have recently released a white paper that sheds light on the motivational drivers that influence individuals’ behaviors towards certain cybersecurity issues.
The study, which surveyed educators across India, Singapore, and the Philippines, aims to provide actionable insights for cybersafe practices that educators in Asia can adopt.
It highlights the importance of coping appraisal, which refers to an individual’s assessment of the efficacy of a behavioral response to a threat, the degree of difficulty in enacting the response, and the costs associated with carrying out that response.
It explored how respondents who had a significant understanding of the negative consequences of practicing poor cyber hygiene were more likely to adopt positive online behaviors.
The study also found that age, gender, and educational levels had no impact on the results, indicating that coping appraisal is a universal motivator for positive online behavior.
The concept of coping appraisal includes response efficacy, which refers to an individual’s belief that a recommended behavior can prevent or reduce possible harm, and self-efficacy, which refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully accomplish a recommended protective response.
For example, the study found that respondents who understood the risks of using insecure Wi-Fi connections were more likely to connect to a secure network. Similarly, respondents who understood the risks of opening links or attachments from unknown sources were more likely to avoid doing so. The study also found that respondents who received instructions on how to create complex passwords were more likely to adopt them.
The white paper highlights the importance of positive messaging in influencing behavior change. The study found that framing cybersecurity messages in a way that emphasizes what individuals can do to prevent or mitigate threats, rather than appealing to fear, can be more effective in changing behavior. The study also found that learning about cyber threats and their consequences enables individuals to make informed decisions.
The study also emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education, particularly for teachers who play a critical role in transferring cyber hygiene skills to the next generation. Kaspersky’s Head of Cybersecurity Education, Evgeniya Russkikh, said, “These findings underscore the importance of comprehending the importance of negative consequences of unsafe online behaviors and how it impacts future cybersecurity practices.
As digitalization accelerates and redefines the future, our activities and decisions online will drastically affect our lives. Cybersecurity education remains relevant and an utmost priority.”
To keep yourself safe online, the white paper recommends developing regular routines and habits, considering using the right tools to protect yourself, and thinking before you do. A comprehensive cybersecurity solution or VPN solution can protect you against several types of cyberattacks, and building a routine for routine housekeeping such as updating your devices and software, scanning for viruses, and updating your passwords can help ensure good cyber hygiene.
Leave a Reply