An integrated model for assessing cyber-safety behaviors: How cognitive, socioeconomic and digital determinants affect diverse safety practices

Abstract

As Internet access and use have become ubiquitous, cyber-safety behaviors are a major aspect of individuals’ well-being and a matter of concern for national cyber-security officials. This paper investigates the question of the determinants of cyber-safety behavior and its connection with socio-structural and cognitive factors. In doing this, we address the similarities and differences in the antecedents of use of two types of cyber-safety behaviors: antivirus behavior and password safety. Using theoretical insights from cognitive theory (the health belief model) and the digital divide literature (the stratification hypothesis of technology diffusion), we create an integrated framework that assesses the similarities and differences in the determinants of antivirus use and password safety. We then use path analysis to test the model with data from a survey of a representative sample of Israeli Internet users from 2014 (N = 1850). The results support the contention that structural and digital disparities affect self-care behaviors both directly and indirectly. The best predictor of cyber-safety behaviors are digital safety skills. By identifying common and specific aspects of cyber-safety, the study provides suggestions for the development of efficient and targeted cyber-safety policies.