The Relationship between Human-centric Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

Abstract

The aim of this study is to propose a model of human-centric cybersecurity and its relationship tocurbing cybercrime in Zimbabwean commercial banks. The effects of human-centric cyber-crimes (e.g.email phishing, identity theft, hacking and malware) are increasing irrespective of the use of cyber securitytechniques (such as firewalls, antispyware and antivirus). In order to prevent security breaches, the role ofthe human element should always be emphasized. The study proposed a model of human-centric cybersecurity solutions in Zimbabwean commercial banks to counter identity theft. Item frameworks were modifiedto illustrate how human cyber security measures would effectively curb cybercrime from the theory ofprotection motivation and the theory of routine activity. Solutions to cybercrime centered on human beingsinclude raising aware- ness about cyber security, top management support and cyber security policies.Quantitative data collected through survey questionnaires which were distributed to 118 key informantsacross thirteen commercial banks in Zimbabwe. Gathered data were analyzed using SPSS 23 and Smart PLSVersion 3.2.8 for partial list structural equation modeling. The findings were interesting, the human solutionssuch as raising awareness, top management support, and cybersecurity policy indicated a negative andmoderate effect on identity theft, R2 value was of 0.64. The standardized root mean square residual value forthe human structural model was 0.08 indicating a good model fit. The findings show that the human factoris key for the successful cybersecurity of any banking institution.