Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Information and resources on cybersecurity in non-English languages are non-existent or very limited. There is also a dearth of research on cyber victimization involving samples of limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals. We surveyed a convenience sample of LEP Internet users and examined the effects of demographic characteristics on cyber hygiene practices and cyber hygiene practices on cyber victimization. We also conducted focus groups to explore participants’ knowledge about cyber safety and their perceptions of the availability of cybersecurity information and resources in languages other than English. We found the demographic measures of age, sex, marital status, education level, and employment status to be significantly related to seven cyber hygiene practices (having antivirus software, using strong passwords, not sharing passwords, not using public Wi-Fi, not accepting stranger requests, checking e-mail source, and not downloading unverified files). We also found the cyber hygiene measures predicted eight types of cyber victimization (phishing, computer virus infection, online harassment and scams, and e-mail, social media, shopping, and other accounts hacking). From the focus groups, we uncovered that although the participants exhibited inadequate knowledge concerning the recommended cyber hygiene practices, they appeared to be motivated to adopt them. The policy implications of our study are discussed.