Information security behavior: Development of a measurement instrument based on the self-determination theory

Abstract

Employee information security behaviour is important in securing an organisation’s information technology resources. Employees can act in a risky or secure manner. Improving employee information security behaviour is important for organisations and should follow an assessment of their behaviour. A robust measuring instrument is a necessity for effectively assessing information security behaviour. In this study, a questionnaire was developed based on the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire and self-determination theory and validated statistically. Data obtained through a quantitative survey (N = 263) at a South African university was used to validate the questionnaire. The result is a questionnaire that has internally consistent items, as shown by the results of the reliability analysis. Universities can use the questionnaire to identify developmental areas to improve information security from a behaviour perspective.