Publication Date
9-2-2025
Abstract
Today, there is a rapid increase in the number of people using the Internet via smartphones and relying on them for most of their daily activities. Consequently, smartphones are becoming the target of criminals for atrocious purposes. This study investigated the information security awareness and behavior of smartphone users in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was collected with a questionnaire from 400 respondents who were conveniently selected. Findings revealed that most smartphone users knew about the smartphone security features available on their phones. However, most also engaged in behaviors that threatened their information security. Fewer than the average number of respondents used the security features available on smartphones. Perceived threat vulnerability, response cost and social influence had a significant relationship with the information security behavior of the smartphone users, while perceived threat severity, response efficacy, and users’ computer self-efficacy had no significant relationship with information security and behavior. Even though the level of awareness of information security features on smartphones was high, most smartphone users engaged in activities that threatened their information security. Smartphone users should be constantly educated on the threats they are exposed to while using smartphones and the need to always update their operating systems so that they can get security fixes and patches that come with operating system updates.
Included in
Information Security Commons, Library and Information Science Commons, Management Information Systems Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons