A socio-behavioral study of home computer users' intention to practice security

Abstract

Home computer users play a crucial role in securing the cyberspace, but the protection of home computers is left to the initiative of the users. In this study, we focus on the sociobehavioral perspective, as the behavior of home computer users on security issues is one of the most important factors in securing the cyberspace. The decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior is adapted to investigate the factors that influence a user's intention to practice home computer security. A survey instrument was developed and administered to 233 home computer users. The findings revealed that attitude and subjective norm determined intention to practice computer security, and perceived usefulness, family and peer influence, mass media influence and self-efficacy are important factors that influence a home computer user's intention to practice computer security. Findings also provide an impetus for researchers to conduct future studies in this domain.