Investigating the Determinants of College Students Information Security Behavior Using a Validated Multiple Regression Models

Abstract

The frequency, intensity and repercussions of information security breaches in higher education has prompted colleges and universities around the world to devote more resources to enhance technical and human controls capabilities. Research has repeatedly found that technical solutions to cybercrime are insufficient in preventing incidents. The present analysis utilizes the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explain users' computer security behavior by replicating an earlier research study. The study, however, applies the HBM model to a new context, higher education, and college students serve as the sample for this research. A validated questionnaire was employed to collect responses from 263 students attending a public state Midwestern university in the United States. Multiple Linear Regression mathematical analysis was conducted on the dataset collected to measure constructs of the information security of college students. Findings of this research suggest that perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and self-efficacy are good determinants of information security behavior for college students at least on the sample observations. Further, the analysis supported the moderating logic of perceived severity on the effects of susceptibility, benefits, general security orientation, self-efficacy and cues to action. Findings of this research call upon higher education security administrators to enact more effective awareness and training programs based on real-work security incidents simulations and incorporating information security into the general education curricula.