Information security awareness in Lebanese community. (c2017)

Abstract

In an interconnected economy, as technology evolves and reliance on information increases, new information security threats emerge. These threats are becoming increasingly complex, expensive and more specific to the vulnerabilities identified in the different systems, applications, and infrastructures. Universities are considered to be easy targets because they are known to host vast computing power and at the same time, they provide open access to the public. Human errors are one of the top threats to information security; this is why many researchers considered security education, training and awareness key factors of information security in any organization, where they aim to educate staff on information security. This study aims to evaluate and examine user perceptions towards information security practices and the level of awareness amongst students in Lebanese universities. Based on a theoretical framework comprising KAB Model and Protection-Motivation Theory, the study employs an exploratory method by administering a survey that targets university students on both the graduate and the undergraduate level to evaluate the level of awareness and the antecedents that contribute to this awareness. Data analysis is done using PLS Path Modeling. Results are reported and interpreted, implications are discussed, and limitations and recommendations are presented.