Cross-cultural investigation of the security knowledge process

Abstract

Security knowledge is a critical component for computer end users to cope with and ameliorate security threats. Drawing upon learning theory and innovation diffusion theory, this study examines individuals security knowledge process, focusing on spyware. In addition, a moderating effect of culture is examined in security knowledge process between the USA and Republic of Korea. The results indicate that spyware awareness is an intermediary between security familiarity and spyware knowledge, and there is a moderating cultural effect between spyware awareness and spyware knowledge. This study highlights the importance of learning procedures and cultural effects in the security knowledge context. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.