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Detecting Cybersecurity Threats: The Role of the Recency and Risk Compensating Effects

Author

Listed:
  • Roozmehr Safi

    (University of Missouri—Kansas City)

  • Glenn J. Browne

    (Texas Tech University)

Abstract

Detecting and responding to information security threats quickly and effectively is becoming increasingly crucial as modern attackers continue to engineer their attacks to operate covertly to maintain long-term access to victims’ systems after the initial penetration. We conducted an experiment to investigate various aspects of decision makers’ behavior in monitoring for threats in systems that potentially have been compromised by intrusions. In checking for threats, decision makers showed a recency effect: they deviated from optimal monitoring behavior by altering their checking pattern in response to recent random incidents. Decision makers’ monitoring behavior was also adversely affected when there was an increase in security, exhibiting a risk compensating behavior through which heightened security leads to debilitated security behaviors. Although the magnitude of the risk compensating behavior was significant, it was not enough to fully offset the benefits from added security. We discuss implications for theory and practice of information security.

Suggested Citation

  • Roozmehr Safi & Glenn J. Browne, 2023. "Detecting Cybersecurity Threats: The Role of the Recency and Risk Compensating Effects," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 1277-1292, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:25:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10796-022-10274-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-022-10274-5
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