Recent research published in the International Journal of Business Information Systems examines the human element of cybersecurity. We may believe that cybersecurity is primarily about firewalls, antivirus software, spam filters, and DDoS detection, but social engineering and human error frequently lead to breaches of computer systems and networks, not sophisticated malware.
Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay of the Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun, along with Anurag Singh and Brij Mohan Singh of the India and College of Engineering in Roorkee, conducted a survey of professionals, non-professionals, and students working and studying in the educational sector of Uttarakhand. They desired to investigate the relationship between computer security awareness and human behavior.
They examined the relationship between various personality traits and a person’s cybersecurity knowledge. The team notes that while an organization or individual can implement policies and tools to protect against digital intrusion, it is nearly impossible to protect against social engineering without ongoing education of users who may fall for the dubious and persuasive abilities of the confidence trickster.
The team emphasizes that cybersecurity is a tremendous global challenge.
The team has now examined extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness of personality and how this relates to an individual’s perception and understanding of cybersecurity in an effort to educate where knowledge gaps exist or where a certain personality type may be more susceptible to social engineering than another.
“The purpose of this study to explore the relationship between human behaviour and cybersecurity awareness. The research was conducted using a questionnaire and from collecting the responses of professionals, non-professionals, and students studying and working in the educational sector of Uttarakhand region,” the authors mentioned in their report.
“Findings of the study are useful for developing relevant measures, particularly in terms of personality and human traits, to improve information security awareness,” it also mentioned. “This study contributes to personality traits and their impact on cybersecurity. The study suggests the managerial as well as theoretical implications on the basis of the findings.”
