Extending the theory of planned behavior : exploring the multiple pathways to understand cybersecuirty behaviors in Hong Kong

Abstract

Digital technology penetrates every aspects of human life, and so as threats on cybersecurity. The present study adopted the TPB model to investigate cybersecurity behaviors among 1018 Hong Kong people. The effect of emotionality variables and motivation to comply were investigated. Telephone surveys were conducted using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system to obtain participants’ responses on various questions measuring targeted variables. Results revealed background factors including generalized mood and emotions and self-efficacy are significant predictors of cybersecurity behaviors. The mediating effect of behavior-specific emotions was significant on the relationships between attitudes, injunctive norms, perceived control and cybersecurity behaviors; and that of motivation to comply was significant on the relationships between attitudes, injunctive norms and descriptive norms and cybersecurity behaviors. The findings were discussed with reference to existing studies on TPB and cybersecurity behaviors, theoretical and clinical implications, as well as limitations and directions for future studies were discussed.