Presentation of computer security risk information: Impact of framing and base size

• Main Authors: ZHAN, Xinhui, NAH, Fiona Fui-hoon, SIAU, Keng, HALL, Richard, CHENG, Maggie
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2020
• Subjects: Framing; Computer Security; Risk; Decision-making; Databases and Information Systems; Information Security
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/10043; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/11043/viewcontent/drw_2020_paper_9.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This research explores how the presentation of computer security risks impacts users’ risk perceptions and behavior. It draws on Prospect Theory to generate hypotheses related to users’ decision-making in the computer security context. A 2 × 3 mixed factorial experimental design (N = 178) was carried out and the results show that framing and base size of information on computer security risks influence users’ perceived risk and risk-taking behavior. More specifically, negative framing and large base size increase users’ perceived risk and reduce users’ risk-taking behavior. The findings from this research suggest that using negative framing and large base size to communicate computer security risks is an effective strategy to lower risk taking behavior of users.