Investigating mobile instant messaging phishing : a study into user awareness and preventive measures

Ahmad, Rufai and Terzis, Sotirios and Renaud, Karen; Moallem, Abbas, ed. (2023) Investigating mobile instant messaging phishing : a study into user awareness and preventive measures. In: HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust. Springer, DNK, pp. 381-398. ISBN 9783031358227 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35822-7_26)

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Abstract

Users of mobile instant messaging (MIM) applications (apps) are increasingly targeted by phishing attacks. MIM apps often lack technical countermeasures for protecting users from phishing. Thus, users need to take preventive measures against phishing threats. Measures include awareness of the threat and the adoption of phishing preventive behaviours. This study adds to the literature by exploring these measures. Using an online survey, we collected data from 111 users of MIM apps and examined their awareness of the phishing attacks targeting them and the preventive measures they take. Previous studies showed that smartphone users exhibit poor security behaviour, which was mostly not the case in our sample, as we have found moderate awareness of phishing and the adoption of preventive measures by the participants. The results also showed several correlations between the participants' adoption of preventive measures and their phishing self-efficacy, knowledge, and concern about phishing. These findings may be useful in developing user awareness strategies for combating phishing in MIM apps.

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