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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Xiangzhao Huang, Hu Wan and Hongtao Zhou

To take relative actions to cope with the threat which network finance information security now encounters by constructing controlling tactical and synergetic model.

1445

Abstract

Purpose

To take relative actions to cope with the threat which network finance information security now encounters by constructing controlling tactical and synergetic model.

Design/methodology/approach

It is practical to use the synergetic self‐organization theory to calculate the effects that the force of synergetic system of controlling tactics to financial information security makes on network financial system, and it is also practical to construct the synergetic model of controlling tactics to network financial information security on the basis of it.

Findings

Through applying synergetic analysis to controlling tactical system of network financial information security, it can be found out that controlling tactical system is an open system which changes from disorder to order and which keeps away from a balancing state. As an opening system, controlling tactics are interacting with outside from now and then.

Research limitations/implications

Network financial information security takes on dynamics, relativity, integrity and complexity. Accessibility of data is the main limitations which model will be applied.

Practical implications

From the view of network financial information security, constructing controlling tactical and synergetic model of information security are explained.

Originality/value

Network finance is orientated as a special social and economic system. The author does analysis on the network financial system, and expounds order parameters and model of network financial system.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Kwo‐Shing Hong, Yen‐Ping Chi, Louis R. Chao and Jih‐Hsing Tang

With the popularity of electronic commerce, many organizations are facing unprecedented security challenges. Security techniques and management tools have caught a lot of…

18258

Abstract

With the popularity of electronic commerce, many organizations are facing unprecedented security challenges. Security techniques and management tools have caught a lot of attention from both academia and practitioners. However, there is lacking a theoretical framework for information security management. This paper attempts to integrate security policy theory, risk management theory, control and auditing theory, management system theory and contingency theory in order to build a comprehensive theory of information security management (ISM). This paper suggests that an integrated system theory is useful for understanding information security management, explaining information security management strategies, and predicting management outcomes. This theory may lay a solid theoretical foundation for further empirical research and application.

Details

Information Management & Computer Security, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-5227

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 January 2023

Tadele Shimels and Lemma Lessa

Information systems' security is more critical than ever before since security threats are rapidly growing. Before putting in place information systems' security measures…

2067

Abstract

Purpose

Information systems' security is more critical than ever before since security threats are rapidly growing. Before putting in place information systems' security measures, organizations are required to determine the maturity level of their information security governance. Literature review reveals that there is no recent study on information systems' security maturity level of banks in Ethiopia. This study thus seeks to measure the existing maturity level and examine the security gaps in order to propose possible changes in Ethiopian private banking industry's information system security maturity indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Four private banks are selected as a representative sample. The system security engineering capability maturity model (SSE-CMM) is used as the maturity measurement criteria, and the measurement was based on ISO/IEC 27001 information security control areas. The data for the study were gathered using a questionnaire.

Findings

A total of 93 valid questionnaires were gathered from 110 participants in the study. Based on the SSE-CMM maturity model assessment criteria the private banking industry's current maturity level is level 2 (repeatable but intuitive). Institutions have a pattern that is repeated when completing information security operations but its existence was not thoroughly proven and institutional inconsistency still exists.

Originality/value

This study seeks to measure the existing maturity level and examine the security gaps in order to propose possible changes in Ethiopian private banking industry's information system security maturity indicators. This topic has not been attempted previously in the context of Ethiopian financial sector.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2023

Thomas Tegethoff, Ricardo Santa, Glaucya Daú and Jimy Cortes

The Colombian Government launched an e-government initiative in 2008 to facilitate communication among the government, citizens and organizations. Considering the high level of…

Abstract

Purpose

The Colombian Government launched an e-government initiative in 2008 to facilitate communication among the government, citizens and organizations. Considering the high level of mistrust of citizens and businesses toward governmental institutions, the government must ensure the security of the information handled and provided by online users. Results to date have not been adequate in the usage of e-government systems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the level of online security affects usage and impacts the cost-effectiveness and quality of the operations and, consequently, the operational effectiveness of organizations using e-government systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the antecedents and outcomes of operational effectiveness. To this end, 440 usable questionnaires were collected from managers and personnel from Colombian organizations using e-government systems.

Findings

According to the findings, there is a positive predictive relationship between online security and the dimensions of electronic government effectiveness. Furthermore, neither online security nor any of the dimensions of electronic government effectiveness affect the operational costs of organizations. Nonetheless, the quality of information has a positive effect on the quality of operations. As a result, through the quality of the information, online security has an indirect impact on the quality of operations.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used a convenience sample, carefully selecting respondents based on their operations and practice knowledge and implementation of online security processes. Besides, compared to previous research conducted in developed nations, the sample size is relatively small. Because the survey is based on responses from official companies, it must also be taken into account that over 50% of Colombian labor is informal. Furthermore, Colombia is a nation with a high level of mistrust. When considering these factors, generalizability to all industrial sectors is questionable. Nevertheless, the findings of this study offer relevant information that indicates the need for more extended and comprehensive quantitative research.

Practical implications

Improvements in organizations that use e-government systems, based on the benefits that high-quality information brings to operational performance – cost and quality – will help them survive and become more sustainable and competitive. Furthermore, this study supports the assertion that aspects like online security are critical in promoting information and communication technology uptake and user acceptance in transition and rising economies like Colombia.

Originality/value

There is still a scarcity of information on assessing the effectiveness of electronic government systems and their impact on the quality and cost of operations in organizations that use them. Additionally, Colombia, as a country with low levels of trust between citizens, organizations and government, still lacks information about the impact of online security on the effectiveness of its operations.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 February 2019

Masike Malatji, Sune Von Solms and Annlizé Marnewick

This paper aims to identify and appropriately respond to any socio-technical gaps within organisational information and cybersecurity practices. This culminates in the equal…

4193

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and appropriately respond to any socio-technical gaps within organisational information and cybersecurity practices. This culminates in the equal emphasis of both the social, technical and environmental factors affecting security practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The socio-technical systems theory was used to develop a conceptual process model for analysing organisational practices in terms of their social, technical and environmental influence. The conceptual process model was then applied to specifically analyse some selected information and cybersecurity frameworks. The outcome of this exercise culminated in the design of a socio-technical systems cybersecurity framework that can be applied to any new or existing information and cybersecurity solutions in the organisation. A framework parameter to help continuously monitor the mutual alignment of the social, technical and environmental dimensions of the socio-technical systems cybersecurity framework was also introduced.

Findings

The results indicate a positive application of the socio-technical systems theory to the information and cybersecurity domain. In particular, the application of the conceptual process model is able to successfully categorise the selected information and cybersecurity practices into either social, technical or environmental practices. However, the validation of the socio-technical systems cybersecurity framework requires time and continuous monitoring in a real-life environment.

Practical implications

This research is beneficial to chief security officers, risk managers, information technology managers, security professionals and academics. They will gain more knowledge and understanding about the need to highlight the equal importance of both the social, technical and environmental dimensions of information and cybersecurity. Further, the less emphasised dimension is posited to open an equal but mutual security vulnerability gap as the more emphasised dimension. Both dimensions must, therefore, equally and jointly be emphasised for optimal security performance in the organisation.

Originality/value

The application of socio-technical systems theory to the information and cybersecurity domain has not received much attention. In this regard, the research adds value to the information and cybersecurity studies where too much emphasis is placed on security software and hardware capabilities.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Kushal Anjaria and Arun Mishra

Nowadays, to design the information security mechanism for computing and communication systems, there are various approaches available like cryptographic approach, game-theoretic…

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, to design the information security mechanism for computing and communication systems, there are various approaches available like cryptographic approach, game-theoretic approach, quantitative–qualitative analysis-based approach, cognitive-behavioral approach, digital forensic-based approach and swarm computing-based approach. The contemporary research in these various fields is independent in nature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between these various approaches to information security and cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the relationship between information security mechanisms and cybernetics, Norbert Wiener’s concepts and philosophy of the cybernetics have been used in the present work. For a detailed study, concepts, techniques and philosophy of the cybernetics have been extracted from the books of Norbert Wiener titled “The human use of human beings” and “Cybernetics or control and communication in the animal and the machine”.

Findings

By revisiting the concepts of the cybernetics from the information security perspectives, it has been found that the aspects of information security and the aspects of cybernetics have great bonding.

Originality/value

The present paper demonstrates how bonding between cybernetics and information security can be used to solve some of the complex research challenges in information security area.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Inho Hwang, Daejin Kim, Taeha Kim and Sanghyun Kim

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the negative casual relationships between organizational security factors (security systems, security education, and…

2405

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the negative casual relationships between organizational security factors (security systems, security education, and security visibility) and individual non-compliance causes (work impediment, security system anxiety, and non-compliance behaviors of peers), which have negative influences on compliance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review, the authors propose a research model together with hypotheses. The survey questionnaires were developed to collect data, which then validated the measurement model. The authors collected 415 responses from employees at manufacturing and service firms that had already implemented security policies. The hypothesized relationships were tested using the structural equation model approach with AMOS 18.0.

Findings

Survey results validate that work impediment, security system anxiety, and non-compliance peer behaviors are the causes of employee non-compliance. In addition, the authors found that security systems, security education, and security visibility decrease instances of non-compliance.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations should establish a mixture of security investment in their systems, education, and visibility in order to effectively reduce employees’ non-compliance. In addition, organizations should recognize the importance of minimizing the particular causes of employees’ non-compliance to positively increase intentions to comply with information security.

Originality/value

An important issue in information security management is employee compliance. Understanding the reasons behind employees’ non-compliance is a critical issue. This paper investigates empirically why employees do not comply, and how organizations can induce employees to comply by a mixture of investments in security systems, education, and visibility.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2012

Raydel Montesino, Stefan Fenz and Walter Baluja

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for security controls automation, in order to achieve greater efficiency and reduce the complexity of information security…

3655

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for security controls automation, in order to achieve greater efficiency and reduce the complexity of information security management.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reviewed the controls recommended by well known standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800‐53; and identified security controls that can be automated by existing hard‐and software tools. The research also analyzed the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) technology and proposed a SIEM‐based framework for security controls automation, taking into account the automation potential of SIEM systems and their integration possibilities with several security tools.

Findings

About 30 per cent of information security controls can be automated and they were grouped in a list of ten automatable security controls. A SIEM‐based framework can be used for centralized and integrated management of the ten automatable security controls.

Practical implications

By implementing the proposed framework and therefore automating as many security controls as possible, organizations will achieve more efficiency in information security management, reducing also the complexity of this process. This research may also be useful for SIEM vendors, in order to include more functionality to their products and provide a maximum of security controls automation within SIEM platforms.

Originality/value

This paper delimits the boundaries of information security automation and defines what automation means for each security control. A novel framework for security controls automation is proposed. This research provides an automation concept that goes beyond what it is normally described in previous works and SIEM solutions.

Details

Information Management & Computer Security, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-5227

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Moufida Sadok, Steven Alter and Peter Bednar

This paper aims to present empirical results exemplifying challenges related to information security faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It uses guidelines based on work…

2024

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present empirical results exemplifying challenges related to information security faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It uses guidelines based on work system theory (WST) to frame the results, thereby illustrating why the mere existence of corporate security policies or general security training often is insufficient for establishing and maintaining information security.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was designed to produce a better appreciation and understanding of potential issues or gaps in security practices in SMEs. The research team interviewed 187 employees of 39 SMEs in the UK. All of those employees had access to sensitive information. Gathering information through interviews (instead of formal security documentation) made it possible to assess security practices from employees’ point of view.

Findings

Corporate policies that highlight information security are often disconnected from actual work practices and routines and often do not receive high priority in everyday work practices. A vast majority of the interviewed employees are not involved in risk assessment or in the development of security practices. Security practices remain an illusory activity in their real-world contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses only on closed-ended questions related to the following topics: awareness of existing security policy; information security practices and management and information security involvement.

Practical implications

The empirical findings show that corporate information security policies in SMEs often are insufficient for maintaining security unless those policies are integrated with visible and recognized work practices in work systems that use or produce sensitive information. The interpretation based on WST provides guidelines for enhancing information system security.

Originality/value

Beyond merely reporting empirical results, this research uses WST to interpret the results in a way that has direct implications for practitioners and for researchers.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1988

Jim Dray

Computer users face fundamentally new levels of risks in information security because of increased use of networks, increased computer literacy, an explosion in microcomputer use…

Abstract

Computer users face fundamentally new levels of risks in information security because of increased use of networks, increased computer literacy, an explosion in microcomputer use and decentralized data processing capabilities, and increased dependency on information technology overall. Realizing this fact is considerably easier than taking action to ease these risks, for computer security is fraught with hidden problems and contradictions. For example, while teenaged hackers have brought computer security and crime to the attention of policymakers and the public, most systems can be protected from hackers rather easily. The abuse of computer systems by those authorized to use them, as well as such mundane issues as protection from operator errors and natural or man‐made disasters, are more difficult problems. The Federal Government's experience in this area provides a number of lessons that are applicable to the private sector as well.

Details

Office Technology and People, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0167-5710

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