Predicting students’ security behavior using information-motivation-behavioral skills model

Abstract

The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model has shown reliability in predicting behaviors related to health and voting. In this study, we examine whether the IMB Model could predict security behavior among university students. Using a cross-sectional design and proxy IMB variables, data was collected from 159 Finnish students on their security threats’ awareness (representing IMB’s information variable), attitude toward information security and social motivation (replacing IMB’s motivation variable), self-efficacy and familiarity with security measures (variables related to IMB’s behavioral skills), and self-reported security behavior (IMB outcome variable). An analysis conducted with PLS-SEM v3.2 confirmed that the IMB Model was an appropriate model to explain and predict security behavior of the university students. Path analysis showed that behavioral skills measures predict security behavior directly, while students’ information and motivation variables predicted security behavior through behavioral skills (self-efficacy and familiarity with security measures). The findings suggest that the security behavior of students can be improved by improving threat knowledge, their motivation and behavioral skills – supporting the use of the IMB Model in this context and combination with existing predictors.