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Using the theory of interpersonal behaviour to explain employees’ cybercrime preventative behaviour during the pandemic

Tim Wright (Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa)
Zainab Ruhwanya (Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa)
Jacques Ophoff (Division of Cybersecurity, Abertay University, Dundee, UK and Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa)

Information and Computer Security

ISSN: 2056-4961

Article publication date: 3 April 2024

Issue publication date: 25 September 2024

211

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a significant shift in how employees executed their professional responsibilities. Concurrently, the incidence of cybercrime experienced a noteworthy surge due to the increased utilisation of cyberspace. The abrupt transition to telecommuting altered the interpersonal dynamics inherent in traditional work environments. This paper aims to examine the impact of interpersonal factors on the cybercrime preventative measures adopted by telecommuting employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model, grounded in the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour, is evaluated through an online survey. The data set comprises responses from 209 employees in South Africa, and the analysis uses partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal substantial predictive power to explain cybercrime preventative behaviours. Notably, the study underscores the significant influence of habit and affect on intention and subsequent behaviour.

Practical implications

The results suggest that practitioners should give due attention to emotional dimensions (affect) as a catalyst for information security behaviour. The formulation of employees’ information security responsibilities should be pragmatic, fostering subconscious compliance to establish routine behaviour (habit).

Originality/value

This research underscores the pivotal roles played by habit and emotions in shaping behavioural patterns related to information security. Furthermore, it provides researchers with an illustrative model for operationalising these constructs within the realm of security. The results contribute additional perspectives on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybercrime preventative behaviours.

Keywords

Citation

Wright, T., Ruhwanya, Z. and Ophoff, J. (2024), "Using the theory of interpersonal behaviour to explain employees’ cybercrime preventative behaviour during the pandemic", Information and Computer Security, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 436-458. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICS-11-2023-0228

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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