University of Twente Student Theses
Ready, set, know : the race against cybercrime and the importance of actual knowledge. The relationship between actual and perceived knowledge of cybercrime and the Intentions to Engage in Self-Protective Behaviour to Prevent Cybercrime Victimisation
Bluhm, K. (2023) Ready, set, know : the race against cybercrime and the importance of actual knowledge. The relationship between actual and perceived knowledge of cybercrime and the Intentions to Engage in Self-Protective Behaviour to Prevent Cybercrime Victimisation.
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| Abstract: | Digitalisation offers criminals new ways to commit crimes, both new crimes and traditional crimes in the online environment. This is also known as cybercrime. Cybercrime can take place on an individual and societal level, and engaging in self-protective behaviour is crucial to prevent victimisation of these crimes. However, it was unclear how actual knowledge about cybercrime influences individuals’ willingness to engage in self-protective behaviour, and if actual knowledge affects individuals’ intentions to protect themselves after exposure to different cyberthreats. Using the Protection Motivation Theory, this study focused on self-protective behaviour to prevent cybercrime and the role of actual knowledge. Earlier studies suggested that constructs of the Protection Motivation Theory predicted individuals’ intentions to engage in self-protective behaviour, and that actual knowledge may affect these intentions as well. As expected, a multiple, linear regression analysis showed actual knowledge was an essential indicator for the intentions to engage in self-protective behaviour. Moreover, it was a stronger predictor for the intentions for self-protective behaviour than perceived knowledge. Trust in the internet was an influential factor, since it was negatively correlated with actual knowledge, whereas it was positively correlated with perceived knowledge. The results also indicated that individuals’ perceived vulnerability increased after reading about a cyberthreat. Lastly, actual knowledge was a stronger predictor for social protection measures than for technical protection tools. These findings provide directions to improve future interventions by emphasising the importance of actual knowledge about cybercrime combined with a continuing, critical view towards potential cyberthreats. Moreover, recommendations for future research to improve individuals’ self-protective behaviour are provided in the discussion. These implications might contribute to create more awareness among individuals on their role in preventing cybercrime victimisation and the importance of actual knowledge, which will eventually lead to a safer, online society. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94607 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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