Factors Influencing Smartphone End-User Security Behaviour – The Case of Young Adults in South Africa

Abstract

The adoption of smartphones is increasing exponentially and with this, comes fears of security related threats. Many of these threats aim to manipulate or steal personal electronic information, and the ignorance of the user towards these threats increases the consequences that arise due to these threats. This study investigates the factors that influence end-user smartphone security behaviour. Using a quantitative study of 140 participants, factors are measured and analysed to identify those that have the strongest influence on end-user smartphone security behaviour. The findings of this study show that end-user smartphone security behaviour is influenced by the user’s awareness of smartphone security, the user’s IT sophistication which represents their ability to protect themselves from a security threat and lastly, the trust the user has in society and people in general.