Human and contextual factors influencing cyber-security in organizations, and implications for higher education institutions: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

A research line has emerged that is concerned with investigating human factors in information systems and cyber-security in organizations using various behavioural and socio-cognitive theories. This study aims to explore human and contextual factors influencing cyber security behaviour in organizations while drawing implications for cyber-security in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review has been implemented. The reviewed studies have revealed various human and contextual factors that influence cyber-security behaviour in organizations, notably higher education institutions.

Research limitations/implications

This review study offers practical implications for constructing and keeping a robust cyber-security organizational culture in higher education institutions for the sustainable development goals of cyber-security training and education.

Originality/value

The value of the current review arises in that it presents a comprehensive account of human factors affecting cyber-security in organizations, a topic that is rarely investigated in previous related literature. Furthermore, the current review sheds light on cyber-security in higher education from the weakest link perspective. Simultaneously, the study contributes to relevant literature by gaining insight into human factors and socio-technological controls related to cyber-security in higher education institutions.

Citation

AL-Nuaimi, M.N. (2024), "Human and contextual factors influencing cyber-security in organizations, and implications for higher education institutions: a systematic review", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 73 No. 1/2, pp. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2021-0209