Influence of Employees’ Awareness on Internet Security Threats:

Abstract

A critical element in assessing how well assets are protected is how aware an entity is of security precautions. Daily technological advancements take place. As new technical developments occur, there is a corresponding rise in possible risks and dangers. The development of information technology and the appearance of security threats typically go hand in hand. Information system managers can design an unguarded point of entrance that could act as a vulnerable entry point for exploitation. This study employed Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Cross-section research design method was used in this study. This study employed quantitative in the collection of relevant information concerning the objectives of the study. Under this research, the target were employees of Workers compensation Fund (WCF). Simple random sampling was used to pick samples from this research. Both primary and secondary data was used in data collection exercise. Primary data was collected by using questionnaire. Secondary data was collected from various sources include both printed and electronic published and unpublished sources. Data collected were processed and analysed using excel computer program and the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings unveiled that employees' awareness of internet security threats significantly influences an organisation's overall security posture. Employees who know internet security threats are more likely to identify and report potential risks. They become vigilant in detecting phishing emails, suspicious links, or other security threat indicators. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks and prevent security incidents before they can cause significant damage. Based on the variables evaluated to establish the findings for the first objective, it is found that the employees at WCF have high internet security awareness. Most employees have received training or information on internet security threats in the workplace. It is also established that employees are aware of the potential consequences or risks associated with internet security threats, which is also an indicator of high vii employee internet security awareness. It is also established in the research that regular reminders, such as email newsletters or posters, would help maintain a focus on data security awareness and periodic assessments or quizzes on data security best practices would be beneficial to reinforce knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Under the third objective, it is thus established that the strategies for enhancing internet security among the employees include training, regular reminders, assessments and integration into the daily work activities of the employees. The study recommends that, future studies could use the same survey tool and technique to generalize research more globally.