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Abstract
Search engines, the most popular online services, are associated with several concerns. Users are concerned about unauthorized processing of their personal data, as well as about search engines keeping track of their search preferences. Various search engines have been introduced to address these concerns, claiming that they protect users’ privacy. We call these search engines Privacy-Preserving Search Engines (PPSEs). In this paper, we investigate the factors that motivate search engine users to use PPSEs. To this aim, we adopted Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and associated its constructs with subjective norms to build a comprehensive research model. We tested our research model using survey data from 830 search engine users worldwide. Our results confirm the interpretive power of PMT in privacy-related decision making and show that users are more inclined to take protective measures when they consider that data abuse is a more severe risk and that they are more vulnerable to data abuse. Furthermore, our results highlight the importance of subjective norms in predicting and determining PPSE use. Since subjective norms refer to perceived social influences from important others to engage or refrain from protective behavior, we reveal that the recommendation from people that users consider important motivates them to take protective measures and use PPSE.
Abstract
Smartphone user authentication based on passwords, PINs, and touch patterns raises several security concerns. Behavioral Biometrics Continuous Authentication (BBCA) technologies provide a promising solution which can increase smartphone security and mitigate users’ concerns. Until now, research in BBCA technologies has mainly focused on developing novel behavioral biometrics continuous authentication systems and their technical characteristics, overlooking users’ attitudes towards BBCA. To address this gap, we conducted a study grounded on a model that integrates users’ privacy concerns, trust in technology, and innovativeness with Protection Motivation Theory. A cross-sectional survey among 778 smartphone users was conducted via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to explore the factors which can predict users’ intention to use BBCA technologies. Our findings demonstrate that privacy concerns towards intention to use BBCA technology have a significant impact on all components of PMT. Further to this, another important construct we identified that affects the usage intention of BBCA technology is innovativeness. Our findings posit the view that reliability and trustworthiness of security technologies, such as BBCA are important for users. Together, these results highlighted the importance of addressing users’ perceptions regarding BBCA technology.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to identify the controls provisioned in ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27002:2013 that need to be extended in order to adequately meet, data protection requirements set by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); it also indicates security management actions an organisation needs to perform to fulfil GDPR requirements. Thus, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 compliant organisations, can use this work i) as a basis for extending the already existing security control modules towards data protection; ii) as guidance for reaching compliance with the Regulation.
Design/methodology/approach – This study has followed a two-step approach; First synergies between ISO/IEC 27001:2013 modules and GDPR requirements were identified, by analysing all 14 control modules of the ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and proposing the appropriate actions towards the satisfaction of data protection requirements. Second, we identified GDPR requirements not addressed by ISO/IEC 27001:2013.
Findings – The findings of this work include i) the identification of the common ground between the security controls that ISO/IEC 27001:2013 includes and the requirements that the GDPR imposes; ii) the actions that need to be performed based on these security controls to adequately meet the data protection requirements that the GDPR imposes; iii) the identification of the remaining actions an ISO/IEC 27001 compliant organisation needs to perform to be able to adhere with the GDPR.
Originality/value – This work provides a gap analysis and a further steps identification regarding the additional actions that need to be performed to allow an ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified organisation to be compliant with the GDPR.
Abstract
This study aims to identify the implications of security behaviour determinants for security management to propose respective guidelines which can be integrated with current security management practices, including those following the widely adopted information security standards ISO 27001, 27002, 27003 and 27005.
Based on an exhaustive analysis of related literature, the authors identify critical factors influencing employee security behaviour and ISP compliance. The authors use these factors to perform a gap analysis of widely adopted information security standards ISO 27001, 27002, 27003 and 27005 and identify issues not covered or only partially addressed. Drawing on the implications of security behaviour determinants and the identified gaps, the authors provide guidelines which can enhance security management practices.
The authors uncover the factors shaping security behaviour barely or partly considered in the ISO information security standards ISO 27001, 27002, 27003 and 27005, including top management participation, accommodating individual characteristics, embracing the cultural context, encouraging employees to comply out of habit and considering the cost of compliance. Furthermore, the authors provide guidelines to security managers on enhancing their security management practices when implementing the above ISO Standards.
This study offers guidelines on how to create and design security management practices whilst implementing ISO standards (ISO 27001, ISO 27002, ISO 27003, ISO 27005) so as to enhance ISP compliance.
This study analyses the role and implications of security behaviour determinants, discusses discrepancies and conflicting findings in related literature, provides a gap analysis of commonly used information security standards (ISO 27001, 27002, 27003 and 27005) and proposes guidelines on enhancing security management practices towards improving ISP compliance.
Abstract
(Purpose) This paper aims to practically guide privacy impact assessment (PIA) implementation by proposing a PIA process incorporating best practices from existing PIA guidelines and privacy research.
(Design/methodology/approach) This paper critically reviews and assesses generic PIA methods proposed by related research, data protection authorities and standard’s organizations, to identify best practices and practically support PIA practitioners. To address identified gaps, best practices from privacy literature are proposed.
(Findings) This paper proposes a PIA process based on best practices, as well as an evaluation framework for existing PIA guidelines, focusing on practical support to PIA practitioners.
(Practical implications) The proposed PIA process facilitates PIA practitioners in organizing and implementing PIA projects. This paper also provides an evaluation framework, comprising a comprehensive set of 17 criteria, for PIA practitioners to assess whether PIA methods/guidelines can adequately support requirements of their PIA projects (e.g. special legal framework and needs for PIA project organization guidance).
(Originality/value) This research extends PIA guidelines (e.g. ISO 29134) by providing comprehensive and practical guidance to PIA practitioners. The proposed PIA process is based on best practices identified from evaluation of nine commonly used PIA methods, enriched with guidelines from privacy literature, to accommodate gaps and support tasks that were found to be inadequately described or lacking practical guidance.
Abstract
(Purpose) In the Web 2.0 era, users massively communicate through social networking services (SNS),
often under false expectations that their communications and personal data are private. This paper aims to
analyze privacy requirements of personal communications over a public medium.
(Design/methodology/approach) This paper systematically analyzes SNS services as communication
models and considers privacy as an attribute of users’ communication. A privacy threat analysis for each
communication model is performed, based on misuse scenarios, to elicit privacy requirements per
communication type.
(Findings) This paper identifies all communication attributes and privacy threats and provides a
comprehensive list of privacy requirements concerning all stakeholders: platform providers, users and third
parties.
(Originality/value) Elicitation of privacy requirements focuses on the protection of both the
communication’s message and metadata and takes into account the public–private character of the medium
(SNS platform). The paper proposes a model of SNS functionality as communication patterns, along with a
method to analyze privacy threats. Moreover, a comprehensive set of privacy requirements for SNS designers,
third parties and users involved in SNS is identified, including voluntary sharing of personal data, the role of
the SNS platforms and the various types of communications instantiating in SNS.
Abstract
A growing body of academic literature explores the implications of the adoption of big data analytics technologies in the area of political marketing and communication. While academic and public discourse on privacy focuses on the individual level, this paper explores a scarcely studied issue: group privacy. We elaborate on the importance and role of group privacy and we identify and analyse threats to group privacy that stem from exploiting big data for political purposes. This paper argues that the use of big data analysis technologies in a political context can have severe implications for group privacy such as (political) targeting of particular groups and biased decision making based on group behaviour. We also show that threats to group privacy may have long term implications for society, e.g. with regard to the impact of populist movements.
Abstract
Standards and best practices for information security awareness programs focus on the content and processes of the programs, without taking into consideration how individuals internalize security-related information and how individuals make security related decisions. Relevant literature, however has identified that individual perceptions, beliefs, and biases significantly influence security policy compliance behaviour. Security awareness programs need, therefore, to be aligned with the factors affecting the internalization of the communicated security objectives. Τhis paper explores the role of cognitive and cultural biases in shaping information security perceptions and behaviors. We draw upon related literature from contiguous disciplines (namely behavioral economics and health and safety research) to develop a conceptual framework and analyze the role of cognitive and cultural biases in information security behaviour. We discuss the implications of biases for security awareness programs and provide a set of recommendations for planning and implementing awareness programs, and for designing the related material. This paper opens new avenues for information security awareness research with regard to security decision making and proposes practical recommendations for planning and delivering security awareness programs, so as to exploit and alleviate the effect of cognitive and cultural biases on shaping risk perceptions and security behaviour.
Analyzing the role of Cognitive and Cultural Biases in the Internalization of Information Security Policies: Recommendations for Information Security Awareness Programs. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275898027_Analyzing_the_role_of_Cognitive_and_Cultural_Biases_in_the_Internalization_of_Information_Security_Policies_Recommendations_for_Information_Security_Awareness_Programs [accessed May 13, 2015].
Abstract
Several studies explore information security awareness focusing on individual and/
or organisational aspects. This paper argues that security awareness processes are
associated with interrelated changes that occur at the organisational, the
technological and the individual level. We introduce an integrated analytical
framework that has been developed through action research in a public sector
organisation, comprising actor-network theory (ANT), structuration theory and
contextualism. We develop and use this framework to analyse and manage
changes introduced by the implementation of a security awareness programme
in the research setting. The paper illustrates the limitations of each theory (ANT,
structuration theory and contextualism) to study multi-level changes when used
individually, demonstrates the synergies of the three theories, and proposes how
they can be used to study and manage awareness-related changes at the
individual, organisational and technological level.
Abstract
Built-in privacy is important for promoting users’ privacy and trust in Social Networking Services
(SNS). Up to now, privacy research has its focus on the development and employment of Privacy Enhancing
Technologies as add-on applications and on investigating users’ privacy preferences. This
paper draws on the principles of privacy-by-design and extends previous literature by identifying privacy
requirements for the development of privacy-friendly SNS platforms. The paper also evaluates currently
embedded privacy practices in four popular SNS platforms (Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest)
to assess the level of built-in privacy and proposes a list of guidelines and tools SNS platform designers
can employ.
Abstract
Purpose – Recent global security surveys indicate that security training and awareness programs
are not working as well as they could be and that investments made by organizations are inadequate.
The purpose of the paper is to increase understanding of this phenomenon and illuminate the
problems that organizations face when trying to establish an information security awareness
program.
Design/methodology/approach – Following an interpretive approach the authors apply a case
study method and employ actor network theory (ANT) and the due process for analyzing findings.
Findings – The paper contributes to both understanding and managing security awareness
programs in organizations, by providing a framework that enables the analysis of awareness activities
and interactions with the various organizational processes and events.
Practical implications – The application of ANT still remains a challenge for researchers since no
practical method or guide exists. In this paper the application of ANT through the due process model
extension is enhanced and practically presented. This exploration highlights the fact that information
security awareness initiatives involve different stakeholders, with often conflicting interests.
Practitioners must acquire, additionally to technical skills, communication, negotiation and
management skills in order to address the related organizational and managerial issues. Moreover,
the results of this inquiry reveal that the role of artifacts used within the awareness process is not
neutral but can actively affect it.
Originality/value – This study is one of the first to examine information security awareness as a
managerial and socio-technical process within an organizational context.
Abstract
This paper explores the way information security awareness connects to the overall information security management framework it serves. To date, the formulation of security awareness initiatives has tended to ignore the important relationship with the overall security management context, and vice versa. In this paper we show that the two processes can be aligned so as to ensure that awareness activities serve the security management strategy and that security management exploits the benefits of an effective awareness effort. To do so, we analyze the processes of security awareness and security management using a process analysis framework and we explore their interactions. The identification of these interactions results in making us able to place awareness in a security management framework instead of viewing it as an isolated security mechanism.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse about the nature of privacy and its
role in ubiquitous environments and provide insights for future research.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the privacy implications of particular
characteristics of ubiquitous applications and discusses the fundamental principles and information
practices used in digital environments for protecting individuals’ private data.
Findings – A significant trend towards shifting privacy protection responsibility from government
to the individuals is identified. Also, specific directions for future research are provided with a focus on
interdisciplinary research.
Research limitations/implications – This paper identifies key research issues and provides
directions for future research.
Originality/value – This study contributes by identifying major challenges that should be
addressed, so that a set of “fair information principles” can be applied in the context of ubiquitous
environments. It also discusses the limitations of these principles and provides recommendations for
future research.
Abstract
Several studies explore information security awareness focusing on individual and/
or organisational aspects. This paper argues that security awareness processes are
associated with interrelated changes that occur at the organisational, the
technological and the individual level. We introduce an integrated analytical
framework that has been developed through action research in a public sector
organisation, comprising actor-network theory (ANT), structuration theory and
contextualism. We develop and use this framework to analyse and manage
changes introduced by the implementation of a security awareness programme
in the research setting. The paper illustrates the limitations of each theory (ANT,
structuration theory and contextualism) to study multi-level changes when used
individually, demonstrates the synergies of the three theories, and proposes how
they can be used to study and manage awareness-related changes at the
individual, organisational and technological level.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the way information systems (IS) security
researchers approach information security awareness and examine whether these approaches are
consistent with the organization theory and IS approaches for the study of organizational processes.
Design/methodology/approach – Open coding analysis was performed on selected publications
(articles, surveys, standards, and reports). The chosen publications were classified and the
classification results are presented, based on a proposed typology.
Findings – The proposed typology allows us to identify different types of research models followed
by security researchers and practitioners, and to infer a set of practical implications, for the benefit
of those interested in empirically studying information security awareness.
Research limitations/implications – The paper represents a pilot survey, performed in a selected
number of publications.
Practical implications – The paper helps researchers and practitioners to distinguish the research
models that can be adopted for the study of information security awareness organizational process, by
identifying the key dimensions along which they differ.
Originality/value – The proposed typology provides a guide to identify the range of options
available to researchers and practitioners when they design their work regarding the security
awareness topic. Moreover, it can facilitate the communication between scholars in the field of
security awareness.
Abstract
This paper introduces a knowledge-based approach for the security analysis and design of e-health applications. Following this approach, knowledge acquired through the process of developing secure e-health applications is represented in the form of security patterns; thus, it is made available to future developers. In this paper we present a set of security patterns that was developed based on the aforementioned approach. Security requirements for this set of patterns have been identified following a security and privacy analysis. The security patterns have been designed on the basis of a security ontology that was developed for this purpose. The ontology allows all concepts of importance and their relationships to be identified. The paper also describes the validation of the developed ontology, and compares the approach employed to other relevant methods in the domain of secure application development.
Abstract
This paper addresses the controversy between employees right to privacy and employers need to
safeguard organizational resources by employing monitoring tools. It shows how organizations can
formulate use policies, by applying basic principles for fair and lawful monitoring. A list of key points is presented, which organizations should take into account, for developing such policies. Finally, the paper explores how, widely accepted information security standards, such as the ISO 17799, can aid the attempt to address this controversy.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of cultural theory as a tool for
identifying patterns in the stakeholders’ perception of risk and its effect on information system (IS)
risk management.
Design/methodology/approach – Risk management involves a number of human activities
which are based on the way the various stakeholders perceive risk associated with IS assets.
Cultural theory claims that risk perception within social groups and structures is predictable
according to group and individual worldviews; therefore this paper examines the implications of
cultural theory on IS risk management as a means for security experts to manage stakeholders
perceptions.
Findings – A basic theoretical element of cultural theory is the grid/group typology, where four
cultural groups with differentiating worldviews are identified. This paper presents how these
worldviews affect the process of IS risk management and suggests key issues to be considered in
developing strategies of risk management according to the different perceptions cultural groups have.
Research limitations/implications – The findings of this research are based on theoretical
analysis and are not supported by relevant empirical research. Further research is also required for
incorporating the identified key issues into information security management systems (ISMS).
Originality/value – IS security management overlooks stakeholders’ risk perception; for example,there is no scheme developed to understand and manage the perception of IS stakeholders. This paper proposes some key issues that should be taken into account when developing strategies for addressing the issue of understanding and managing the perception of IS stakeholders.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper seeks to provide an overview of the major technical, organizational and legal
issues pertaining to the outsourcing of IS/IT security services.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a combined socio-technical approach to explore
the different aspects of IS/IT security outsourcing and suggests a framework for accommodating
security and privacy requirements that arise in outsourcing arrangements.
Findings – Data protection requirements are a decisive factor for IS/IT security outsourcing, not only
because they pose restrictions to management, but also because security and privacy concerns are
commonly cited among the most important concerns prohibiting organizations from IS/IT
outsourcing. New emerging trends such as outsourcing in third countries, pose significant new
issues, with regard to meeting data protection requirements.
Originality/value – The paper illustrates the reasons for which the outsourcing of IS/IT security
needs to be examined under a different perspective from traditional IS/IT outsourcing. It focuses on
the specific issue of personal data protection requirements that must be accommodated, according to
the European Union directive.
Abstract
Insider threat is widely recognised as an issue of utmost importance for IS security management. In this paper, we investigate the approach followed by ISO17799, the dominant standard in IS security management, in addressing this type of threat. We unfold the criminology theory that has designated the measures against insider misuse suggested by the standard, i.e. the General Deterrence Theory, and explore the possible enhancements to the standard that could result from the study of more recent criminology theories. The paper concludes with supporting the argument for a multiparadigm and multidisciplinary approach towards IS security management and insider threat mitigation.
Abstract
The protection of information systems is a major problem faced by organisations. The application of a security policy is considered essential for managing the security of information systems. Implementing a successful security policy in an organisation, however, is not a straightforward task and depends on many factors. This paper explores the processes of formulating, implementing and adopting a security policy in two different organisations. A theoretical framework based on the theory of contextualism is proposed and applied in the analysis of these cases. The contextual perspective employed in this paper illuminates the dynamic nature of the application of security policies and brings forth contextual factors that affect their successful adoption.
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Abstract
Session authentication schemes establish the identity of the user only at the beginning of the session, so they are vulnerable to attacks that tamper with communications after the establishment of the authenticated session. Moreover, smartphones themselves are used as authentication means, especially in two-factor authentication schemes, which are often required by several services. Whether the smartphone is in the hands of the legitimate user constitutes a great concern, and correspondingly whether the legitimate user is the one who uses the services. In response to these concerns, Behavioral Biometrics (BB) Continuous Authentication (CA) technologies have been proposed on a large corpus of literature. This paper presents a research on the development and validation of a BBCA system (named BioPrivacy), that is based on the user’s keystroke dynamics, using a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). Also, we introduce a new behavioral biometrics collection tool, and we propose a methodology for the selection of an appropriate set of behavioral biometrics. Our system achieved 97.18% Accuracy, 0.02% Equal Error Rate (EER), 97.2% True Acceptance Rate (TAR) and 0.02% False Acceptance Rate (FAR).
Abstract
The vast amount of accumulated information and the technologies that store, process and disseminate it are producing deep changes in society. The amount of data generated by Internet users poses great opportunities and significant challenges for political scientists. Having a positive effect in many fields, business intelligence and analytics tools are used increasingly for political purposes. Pervasive digital tracking and profiling, in combination with personalization, have become a powerful toolset for systematically influencing user behaviour. When used in political campaigns or in other efforts to shape public policy, privacy issues intertwine with electoral outcomes. The practice of targeting voters with personalized messages adapted to their personality and political views, has already raised debates about political manipulation; however, studies focusing on privacy are still scarce. Focusing on the democracy aspects and identifying the threats to privacy stemming from the use of big data technologies for political purposes, this paper identifies long -term privacy implications which may undermine fundamental features of democracy such as fair elections and political equality of all citizens. Furthermore, this paper argues that big data analytics raises the need to develop alternative narratives to the concept of privacy.
Abstract
With the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in EU, organisations must make adjustments in their business processes and apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the protection of the personal data they process. Further, organisations need to demonstrate compliance with GDPR. Organisational compliance demands a lot of effort both from a technical and from an organisational perspective. Nonetheless, organisations that have already applied ISO27k standards and employ an Information Security Management System and respective security controls need considerably less effort to comply with GDPR requirements. To this end, this paper aims to identify the controls provisioned in ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27002:2013 that need to be extended in order to adequately meet, if/where possible, the data protection requirements that the GDPR imposes. Thus, an organisation that already follows ISO/IEC 27001:2013, can use this work as a basis for compliance with the GDPR.
Abstract
The General Data Protection Regulation that is already in effect for about a year now, provisions numerous adjustments and controls that need to be implemented by an organisation in order to be able to demonstrate that all the appropriate technical and organisational measures have been taken to ensure the protection of the personal data. Many of the requirements of the GDPR are also included in the ``ISO27k'' family of standards. Consequently, organisations that have applied ISO27k to develop an Information Security Management System (ISMS) are likely to have already accommodated many of the GDPR requirements. This work identifies synergies between the new Regulation and the well-established ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and proposes practices for their exploitation. The proposed alignment framework can be a solid basis for compliance, either for organisations that are already certified with ISO/IEC 27001:2013, or for others that pursue compliance with the Regulation and the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 to manage information security.
Abstract
The importance of Privacy Ιmpact Αssessment (PIA) has been emphasized by privacy researchers and its conduction is provisioned in legal frameworks, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. However, it is still a complicated and bewildering task for organizations processing personal data, as available methods and guidelines fail to provide adequate guidance confusing organisations and PIA practitioners. This paper analyzes the interplay among PIA stakeholders and proposes an organizational scheme for successful PIA projects.
Abstract
Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) methods guide the implementation of Privacy-by-Design principles and are provisioned in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. As implementing a PIA is still an intricate task for organizations, this paper provides a critical review and assessment of generic PIA methods proposed by related research, Data Protection Authorities and Standard’s Or-ganizations. The evaluation framework is based on a comprehensive set of criteria elicited through a systematic analysis of relevant literature. This paper also identifies elements of PIA methods that re-quire further support or clarification as well as issues that still remain open, such as the need for im-plementation of supporting tools.
Abstract
User profiling with big data raises critical issues regarding personal data and privacy. Until recently, privacy studies were focused on the control of personal data; due to big data analysis, however, new privacy issues have emerged with unidentified implications. This paper identifies and analyzes privacy threats that stem from data-driven profiling using a multi-level approach: individual, group and society. We analyze the privacy implications stemming from the generation of new knowledge used for automated predictions and decisions. We also argue that mechanisms are required to protect the privacy interests of groups as entities, independently of the interests of their individual members. Finally, this paper discusses privacy threat resulting from the cumulative effect of big data profiling.
Abstract
Abstract. Use of security and privacy tools is still limited for various reasons,
including usability issues. This paper analyses usability characteristics of
security and privacy tools by drawing on relevant literature and employing
scenario-based questionnaires and interviews with 150 users to capture their
views. Based on users’ feedback, we analyse the role of usability characteristics
and identify critical issues such as transparency, control of personal data, design
and accessibility and consistency. This paper provides insights into the multifaceted
issue of usability of security tools from the users’ perspective and a
comprehensive picture of users’ needs and expectations. Some of the findings of
this study show that users regard as important that security and privacy tools
incorporate usability characteristics relevant to installation, design and accessibility,
control and automation, visible feedback, and locatable security settings.
Furthermore, users encounter problems with understanding technical terms and
report that the availability of tools among smartphones and operating systems is
a usability issue.
Abstract
A growing body of literature has recently focused on the adoption of personalization methods and tools traditionally used in e-commerce, in the area of political marketing and communication. However, the impact of adopting personalization applications for political purposes has not been studied yet. This paper contributes to filling this gap, by analyzing privacy threats stemming from the use of personalization tools for political purposes and identifying their impact on individuals and society. This paper also identifies issues that need further research, as big data, individual targeting, the development of behavioral science and sophisticated personalization techniques are reshaping political communication and pose new privacy risks.
Abstract
Extant literature has identified a wide range of factors that influence employees’ compliance to organisational ISPs and shape security behaviour. Security management, however, has not embodied this knowledge as many studies employ different terms to refer to similar concepts or focus only on a specific aspect (e.g. cognitive or environmental issues), depending on the theoretical approach used. Literature provides limited directions to security managers on the effect of security behaviour determinants on security management. This paper provides a comprehensive analyis of factors that have been identified, through an extensive literature review. It also provides an analysis and discussion of how these factors can enhance information security policy compliance. This work provides a conceptual framework that can facilitate security managers understand employee security behaviour and assist them to improve current security management. The paper also identifies controversial findings in relevant literature and suggests issues that need further investigation.
Abstract
This paper discusses the effectiveness of privacy practices and tools employed by Web 2.0 service providers to facilitate users protect their privacy and respond to public pressure. By experimenting on three recently introduced tools, which claim to offer users access and choice on the data stored about them, we analyse their privacy preserving features. Research results indicate their limited effectiveness with regard to user privacy. We discuss discrepancy between stated goals of these privacy enhancing tools and actual goals these tools accomplish.
Abstract
This paper discusses the low adoption of PETs among SNS users, based on the results of an empirical investigation among users of social networking services. 170 members of 5 popular social networks provided information on how they protect their privacy, as well as on the most important factors guiding their decision to use privacy preserving tools or not. Research findings suggest that awareness of PETs is still low among social network users and that quality, effectiveness, cost and ease of use are critical factors influencing PETs adoption. A small number of users was also found not to employ any PETs, despite the fact that they reported being familiar with some of them. This paper enhances our understanding of PETs diffusion from the perspective of users and argues that usability aspects need to guide their design and implementation.
Abstract
Organizations apply information security policies to foster secure use of information systems but very often employees fail to comply with them. Employees’ security behavior has been the unit of analysis of research from different theoretical approaches, in an effort to identify the factors that influence security policy compliance. Through a systematic analysis of extant literature this paper identifies and categorizes critical factors that shape employee security behavior and proposes security management practices that can enhance security compliance. Research findings inform theory by identifying research gaps and support security management.
Abstract
Members of online social networks are often under an illusion of privacy, underestimating privacy risks related to their personal information published in their profiles. Current literature identifies privacy awareness as a key factor for enhancing user privacy. This paper identifies awareness raising applications and explores the effectiveness of awareness tools and practices currently employed by six popular SNS platforms, through a combined approach of literature review and experimental use. Our findings illustrate that awareness practices differ significantly among platforms and fail to promote awareness. We also show that effective awareness raising tools, such as privacy signalling and visualization applications, are overlooked and propose directions to further enhance privacy awareness mechanisms in SNS platforms.
Abstract
Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) are of the most important compo- nents of National Critical Infrastructure. They can provide control capabilities in complex systems of critical importance such as energy production and distribution, transportation, telecoms etc. Protection of such systems is the cornerstone of essential service provision with resilience and in timely manner. Effective risk management methods form the basis for the protection of an Industrial Control System. However, the nature of ICSs render traditional risk management methods insufficient. The proprietary character and the complex interrelationships of the various systems that form an ICS, the potential impacts outside its boundaries, along with emerging trends such as the exposure to the Internet, necessitate revisiting traditional risk management methods, in a way that treat an ICS as a system-of-systems rather than a single, one-off entity. Towards this direction, in this paper we present enhancements to the traditional risk management methods at the phase of risk assessment, by utilising the cybernetic construct of the Viable System Model (VSM) as a means towards a holistic view of the risks against Critical Infrastructure. For the purposes of our research, utilising VSM’s recur- sive nature, we model the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a most commonly used ICS, as a VSM and identify the various assets, in- teractions with the internal and external environment, threats and vulnerabilities.
Abstract
Built-in privacy emerges as a necessity to keep users’ interest and trust in Social Networking Services. However, extant
literature is dominated by research on developing and/or employing Privacy-Enhancing Technologies as add-ons and on
exploring users’ privacy preferences, failing to provide explicit guidance on how to inscribe privacy from the early stages
of SNS implementation. In this paper we draw upon the principles of privacy-by-design to propose a list of privacy
requirements to drive privacy-friendly SNS design and discuss their implementation in four popular SNS platforms.
Abstract
Privacy concerns are rising among SNS users. However, privacy enhancing technologies are not, yet, widely deployed, moreover the rate at which their deployment has grown over the last few years has not been substantial. This is surprising given the fact that PETs are widely recognized as effective at reducing privacy risks. This paper discusses this paradox and tries to answer the question why PETs adoption by social network users is limited. It presents a framework of key factors that facilitates understanding of the issue and can serve as a guide for future research and practice.
Abstract
E-commerce transactions, in addition to the
exchange of goods and services for payment, often entail an
indirect transaction, where personal data are exchanged for
better services or lower prices. This paper analyses buyer’s
and seller’s privacy-related strategic choices in e-commerce
transactions through game theory. We demonstrate how game
theory can explain why buyers mistrust internet privacy
policies and relevant technologies (e.g. P3P) and sellers hesitate
to invest in data protection.
Abstract
With the widespread adoption of electronic government services, there has been a need to ensure a seamless flow of information across public sector organizations, while at the same time, maintaining confidentiality, integrity and availability. Governments have put in place various initiatives and programs including information security awareness to provide the needed understanding on how public sector employees can maintain security and privacy. Nonetheless, the implementation of such initiatives often faces a number of challenges that impede further take-up of e-government services. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the challenges contributing towards the success of information security awareness initiatives implementation in the context of e-government. Political, organizational, social as well as technological challenges have been utilized in a conceptual framework to signify such challenges in e-government projects. An empirical case study conducted in a public sector organization in Greece was exploited in this research to reflect on these challenges. While, the results from this empirical study confirm the role of the identified challenges for the implementation of security awareness programs in e-government, it has been noticed that awareness programmers often pursue different targets of preserving security and privacy, which sometimes results in adding more complexity to the organization.
Abstract
Technological and social phenomena like cloud computing, behavioural advertising, online social networks as well as globalisation (of data flows) have profoundly transformed the way in which personal data are processed and used. This paper discusses the efficiency of the legislation in force and the impact of PETs and the concept of privacy by design on the enforcement of data protection rules. By recognizing the need to update the data protection regulation as a result of current technological trends that threaten to erode core principles of data protection, the paper addresses the question if the Draft-Regulation presents an adequate and efficient response to the challenges that technological changes pose to regulators. In this context the paper focuses on the right to be forgotten as a comprehensive set of existing and new rules to better cope with privacy risks online in the age of “perfect remembering” and we how persistency and high availability of information limit the right of individuals to be forgotten. The paper deals with both the normative and the technical instruments and requirements so as to ensure that personal information will not be permanently retained.
Abstract
Information security awareness is a continuous effort to raise attention
to information security and its importance, in order to stimulate securityoriented
behaviors. Despite the increasing interest of researchers on the topic
and the continuous notifications of global security surveys for its significance,
awareness remains a critical issue of information security. Related approaches
propose techniques and methods for promoting security without theoretical
grounding and separately from the overall information security management
framework. The aim of this paper is to suggest a theoretical and methodological
framework which facilitates the analysis and understanding of the issues that
are intertwined with awareness activities, in order to support the organization’s
security management.
Abstract
This paper explores the way information security awareness connects to the overall information security
management framework it serves. To date, the formulation of security awareness initiatives has tended to
ignore the important relationship with the overall security management context, and vice versa. In this
paper we show that the two processes can be aligned so as to ensure that awareness activities serve the
security management strategy and that security management exploits the benefits of an effective
awareness effort. To do so, we analyze the processes of security awareness and security management
using a process analysis framework and we explore their interactions. The identification of these
interactions results in making us able to place awareness in a security management framework instead of
viewing it as an isolated security mechanism.
Abstract
This paper explores the different aspects of ubiquitous environments with regard to the protection of individuals’ private life. A critical review of the relative research reveals two major trends. First, that there is a shift in the perception of privacy protection, which is increasingly considered as a responsibility of the individual, instead of an individual right protected by a central authority, such as a state and its laws. Second, it appears that current IT research is largely based on the assumption that personal privacy is quantifiable and bargainable. This paper discusses the impact of these trends and underlines the issues and challenges that emerge. The paper stresses that, for the time being, IT research approaches privacy in ubiquitous environments without taking into account the different aspects and the basic principles of privacy. Finally the paper stresses the need for multidisciplinary research in the area, and the importance that IT research receives input from other related disciplines such as law and psychology. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the on-going discourse about the nature of privacy and its role in ubiquitous environments and provide insights for future research.
Abstract
This paper uses the perspective of power in the study of IS security
management. We explore the role of power in the implementation of an
information systems security policy, using the Circuits of Power as a
Framework for the analysis. A case study research was conducted in a public
sector organization that introduced a security policy in order to comply with the
law. The authors interviewed members of the organization to explore the
different aspects of power relations which were intertwined with the
implementation of the policy and used the Circuits of Power to analyze the data
gathered. The conclusions derived from the analysis illustrate the role of power
in the policy implementation process and indicate that a power perspective
provides useful insight in the study of factors affecting the implementation of
security policies.
Abstract
This paper provides a combined approach on the major issues pertaining to the
investigation of cyber crimes and the deployment of Internet forensics techniques. It discusses
major issues from a technical and legal perspective and provides general directions on how
these issues can be tackled. The paper also discusses the implications of data mining
techniques and the issue of privacy protection with regard to the use of forensics methods.
Abstract
This paper presents a framework that enables application developers make use of security expertise. This is succeeded with the help of security ontologies and the employment of security patterns. Through the development of a security ontology developers can locate the major security-related concepts and locate those relevant to the application context. Security patterns provide tested solutions for accommodating security requirements. Finally, the main features of the framework are listed with respect to related work.
Abstract
Application developers are often confronted with difficulties in choosing or embedding security
mechanisms that are necessary for building secure applications, since this demands possessing expertise in
security issues. This problem can be circumvented by involving security experts early in the development
process. This practice, however, entails high costs; moreover communication between developers and
security experts is usually problematic and security expertise is difficult to be captured and exploited by
developers. This paper proposes that the process of building secure applications can be facilitated through the
use of security patterns. It presents a security patterns repository that can provide developers with an effective
mechanism to address the issue of incorporating security requirements and mechanisms in application
development. The paper also specifies a list of patterns and describes their basic elements. For describing
and managing the patterns, the paper proposes a structure that is especially suitable for the case of security
patterns. The method followed for developing the security patterns repository entails the employment of a
security ontology. Finally, the paper presents a set of exemplary cases where the repository can support the
software development process. The paper’s contribution is an enhanced security patterns repository that
allows application developers to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and expertise in the area of security,
so that they are able to develop secure applications.
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of accommodating security requirements in application development. It proposes the use of ontologies for capturing and depicting the security experts' knowledge. In this way developers can exploit security expertise in order to make design choices that help them fulfil security requirements more effectively. We have developed a security ontology for two different application scenarios to illustrate its use. To validate the ontology we have used queries.
Abstract
Incorporating security in the application development process is a fundamental requirement for building secure applications, especially with regard to security sensitive domains, such as e-government. In this paper we follow a novel approach to demonstrate how the process of developing an e-poll application can be substantially facilitated by employing a specialized security ontology. To accomplish this, we describe the security ontology we have developed, and provide a set of indicative questions that developers might face, together with the solutions that ontology deployment provides.
Abstract
The European Union has launched a comprehensive strategy framework and emerging actions on security and privacy issues. To this direction, a number of relevant initiatives have been put on (e.g. cyber security task force, awareness campaigns, promotion of good practices, improved exchange of information mechanisms, etc.). Their results will provide the basis for the work towards a secure information infrastructure. The key actions proposed for a secure information infrastructure, under the eEurope-2005 umbrella, include, between others, “Secure Communication between Public Services”, e.g. examination of the possibilities to establish a secure communications environment for the ex-change of government information. An important aspect towards this direction is the deployment of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). In this paper a good-practice guidance is described, on how a secure and efficient PKI can be developed to support secure and efficient Government-to-Government and Government-to-Citizen electronic communication.
Abstract
Security requirements, such as authentication, confidentiality, authorization, availability, integrity and privacy, are becoming extremely common in software development processes. However, in practical terms, it has been proved that only rarely the developed software fulfils the related security requirements. The reason for this is twofold. On one hand software developers are not security experts and thus they are not competent in selecting and applying the appropriate security countermeasures. On the other hand, many security requirements are intrinsically difficult to deal with. This paper aims to address both of the aforementioned issues and to introduce potential solutions. It starts by analysing the major security requirements, and goes on to explore how they can be mapped into concrete security solutions or/and mechanisms. Then, it examines how the fulfilment of security requirements influences the choice of development methodologies and paradigms (with the emphasis being on the design phase), so that the requirements are effectively satisfied. The discussion covers object-oriented and aspect-oriented programming, the Rational Unified Process, UML and UMLsec, as well as security patterns, with regard to the ways they can support the use of security solutions or/and mechanisms.
Abstract
This study explores the consequences of the introduction of a security plan into organisations by means of a case study of a non-governmental organisation for the treatment of individuals with drug addiction. The paper mainly focuses on the implications of the application of a security plan to the social system in the organisation. The framework for analysis used for the case study is based on the fundamental tenets of A. Giddens’ structuration theory. Structuration theory can be used as an analysis tool for studying the interplay between social structures and human agency and also provides the framework for taking into account aspects of organisational change. This study contributes to the stream of research on the implications of implementing security plans and policies in the organisational context, which is still in a very early stage.
Abstract
With the rapid growth of the Internet, online voting
appears to be a reasonable alternative to conventional
elections and other opinion expressing processes. Current
research focuses on designing and building “voting protocols”
that can support the voting process, while implementing
the security mechanisms required for preventing
fraud and protecting voter's privacy. However, not much
attention has been paid to the administrative part of an
electronic voting system that supports the actors of the
system. Possible “security gaps” in the administrative
workflow may result in deteriorating the overall security
level of the system, even if the voting protocol implemented
by the system succeeds to fully comply with the security
requirements set for voting. To this direction, this paper
describes the responsibilities and privileges of the actors
involved in the electronic voting process. The description
of the role of each actor, together with the clear
indication of what each actor is expected - and thus allowed
- to do with the system, formulate an operational
framework that complements the technological security
features of the system and allows us to talk about “secure
electronic voting systems”.
Abstract
Security management is now acknowledged as a key constituent of Information Systems (IS) management. IS security management traditionally relies on the formation and application of security policies. Most of the research in this field address issues regarding the structure and content of security policies; whereas the context within which security policies are conceived and developed remains rather unexplored. However, security policies that are formed without taking into account the specific social and organisational environment within which they will be applied, are often proven to be inapplicable or ineffective. In this paper we explore the issues pertaining to the formation of security policies under the perspective of contextualism. Within the framework of contextualism, we study the context, content and process of IS security policies development. This paper aims to contribute to IS security research by bringing forth the issue of context-dependent formation of security policies. In addition, it provides a contextual framework, which we expect to improve the effectiveness of IS security policies development.
Abstract
Information Systems security evaluation is a sine qua non requirement for effective IT security management, as well as for establishing trust among different but cooperating business partners. This paper initially provides a critical review of traditionally applied evaluation and certification schemes. Based upon this review, the paper stresses the need for an approach that is quantitative in nature and can address the problem of IS operational security. Then, such an approach is presented, mainly based on an existing complex of models (CEISOQ) for evaluating IS operation quality. It is argued that there are certain benefits if this approach is applied in combination with the traditional qualitative ones.
Abstract
Research on Information Security has been based on a well-established definition of the subject. Consequently, it has delivered a plethora of methods, techniques, mechanisms and tools to protect the so-called security attributes (i.e. availability, confidentiality and integrity) of information. However, modern Information Systems (IS) appear rather vulnerable and people show mistrust on their ability to deliver the services expected. This phenomenon leads us to the conclusion that information security does not necessarily equal IS security. In this paper, we argue that IS security, contrary to information security, remains a confusing term and a neglected research area. We attempt to clarify the meaning and aims of IS security and propose a framework for building secure information systems, or as we suggest them to be called, viable information systems.
Abstract
The virtual organization is a new form of organization possessing the characteristic of incorporating business units with a high degree of autonomy. This form of organization, which is expected to become the dominant organizational paradigm for the 21st century, strongly depends on the effectiveness of cooperation among the autonomous Information Systems (IS) of each business unit. Developing a security policy and installing security controls for each IS appears as a prerequisite for the survival of the virtual organization, but on the other hand it may severely hinder IS cooperation, as policies and controls often give rise to conflicts and interoperability problems. In this paper, we analyse the problem of managing IS security in multi-policy environments and introduce a Security Policies Management System (SPMS) that facilitates the management of IS security in virtual organizations and supports the resolution of conflicts between security policies.
Copyright Notice: This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted or mass reproduced without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Copyright Notice: This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted or mass reproduced without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Copyright Notice: This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted or mass reproduced without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.