Birjand University
Abstract: (1121 Views)
Abstract
Introduction/Background: The huge volume of data and information circulating in social networks, along with their popularity and widespread use, exposes these networks to numerous security risks. Therefore, nowadays the security and privacy of users has become one of the most important issues in social networks. Many factors affect the security and privacy of users in social networks, among which this research examines the role of individual factors in the behaviors related to the security and privacy of users in social networks.
Methodology: This descriptive survey used a Researcher-made questionnaire on a sample of students of University of Birjand (375 participants). For questionnaire’s validity, the experts’ opinions was used, and Cronbach's alpha was used for questionnaire’s reliability (0.876).
Findings/: The average of users' overall awareness of security and privacy in social networks was significantly less than the optimal level, while the average of users' overall importance of security and privacy in social networks was higher than the optimal level. The amount of behaviors related to individual factors among the respondents was lower than expected. Also, the mean of attack experience variables, successful privacy changes, visit frequency, technological ability and skills, and perceived ease were significantly lower than desired; But the variables of trust in the system, perceived benefit, perceived risk and perceived importance were significantly more than the desired level. Also, the scores of undergraduate students in all variables were higher than those of master's and doctoral students
Results: Although the respondents attached great importance to topics related to security and privacy, their awareness of many of these topics was less than expected. Also, the subjects of this research did not perform the behaviors related to individual factors related to security and privacy in social networks as expected.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special