How do mental models affect cybersecurity awareness? The roles of questioning styles, need for cognition, and graphical representations

IF 4.8 2区计算机科学 Q1 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS Computers & Security Pub Date : 2024-12-19 DOI:10.1016/j.cose.2024.104292

Yuntian Xie, Ting Lei, Zimo Li, Yujing Yang, Chunyin Chen, Yuanyuan Long

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Abstract

This study, grounded in psychological model theory, investigated the influence of psychological models on cybersecurity awareness. To achieve this, two online experiments were conducted with college students. Experiment 1 examined the impact of various questioning methods on cybersecurity awareness within different problem situations among 479 college students. Experiment 2 explored the interplay of cognitive needs and graphic representations in shaping cybersecurity awareness among 468 college students. Our findings revealed that both problem situations and questioning methods significantly affect cybersecurity awareness. Notably, in criminal scenarios, a four-step questioning approach demonstrated the most pronounced positive impact on cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between cognitive needs and graphic representations on cybersecurity awareness. Specifically, graphic representations were more effective in promoting cybersecurity awareness among individuals with high cognitive needs. These results underscore the importance of questioning methods and cognitive needs in mediating the impact of psychological models on cybersecurity awareness, while also highlighting the conditional influence of graphic representations.

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来源期刊

Computers & Security 工程技术-计算机：信息系统

CiteScore

12.40

自引率

7.10%

发文量

365

审稿时长

10.7 months

期刊介绍： Computers & Security is the most respected technical journal in the IT security field. With its high-profile editorial board and informative regular features and columns, the journal is essential reading for IT security professionals around the world. Computers & Security provides you with a unique blend of leading edge research and sound practical management advice. It is aimed at the professional involved with computer security, audit, control and data integrity in all sectors - industry, commerce and academia. Recognized worldwide as THE primary source of reference for applied research and technical expertise it is your first step to fully secure systems.