The Effect of Social Media User Behaviors on Security and Privacy Threats

Abstract

The number of online social network (OSN) users is increasing daily and attacks and threats against over the time spent on online networks has been increasing equally. Attacks against OSN users exploit not only system vulnerabilities but also user-induced vulnerabilities, which naturally affect the hacker’s attack strategy as well. This study is designed to investigate the effect of social media user behaviors on their vulnerability level in terms of security and privacy. The study was conducted survey methods, which was applied to social media users in two countries -Turkey and Iraq. This study documents and analyzes the behaviors of 700 OSN users in two countries. This study examines the behaviors of social media users from two nationalities, investigating whether there is a relationship between social media users’ behaviors and security and privacy threats. Research findings demonstrate that there is a significant relationship between OSN users’ behaviors and their attitudes towards security and privacy. Additionally, Turkish social media users pay more attention to their behaviors in terms of privacy and security awareness than Iraq users.