Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks

In today’s technologically advanced world, the escalating prevalence of phishing attacks necessitates an urgent exploration of effective countermeasures. This study delves into the crucial investigation of how self-regulation influences phishing susceptibility, while also examining the mediating rol...

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Main Authors: Muhammad Waqas, Alishba Hania, Farzan Yahya, Iqra Malik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2023-12-01
Series:SAGE Open
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231217720
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author Muhammad Waqas
Alishba Hania
Farzan Yahya
Iqra Malik
author_facet Muhammad Waqas
Alishba Hania
Farzan Yahya
Iqra Malik
author_sort Muhammad Waqas
collection DOAJ
description In today’s technologically advanced world, the escalating prevalence of phishing attacks necessitates an urgent exploration of effective countermeasures. This study delves into the crucial investigation of how self-regulation influences phishing susceptibility, while also examining the mediating role of information processing and the moderating influence of financial knowledge. A comprehensive survey was meticulously crafted, targeting 370 recent university graduates. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro, unveiling a mediated moderation model. The findings reveal that self-regulation does not directly predict phishing susceptibility. However, information processing, whether systematic or heuristic, significantly impacts phishing susceptibility. Additionally, information processing serves as a mediator, connecting self-regulation to phishing susceptibility. Notably, the interaction between systematic information processing and financial knowledge emerged as a significant determinant of phishing susceptibility. By establishing a comprehensive mediated moderation model, this study provides invaluable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to bolster their defenses against phishing attacks. Furthermore, it emphasizes the vital role of financial knowledge and employees’ heuristic information processing in mitigating cyber threats. This research serves as a crucial scientific contribution, offering compelling evidence that proactive management of contributing factors can effectively mitigate the escalating threats posed by phishing attacks.
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spelling doaj.art-27c429937602434a9f7e78be1267c4312023-12-16T16:04:12ZengSAGE PublishingSAGE Open2158-24402023-12-011310.1177/21582440231217720Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing AttacksMuhammad Waqas0Alishba Hania1Farzan Yahya2Iqra Malik3Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, ChinaNanchang Institute of Technology, Jiangxi, ChinaNanchang Institute of Technology, Jiangxi, ChinaInstitute of Southern Punjab, Multan, PakistanIn today’s technologically advanced world, the escalating prevalence of phishing attacks necessitates an urgent exploration of effective countermeasures. This study delves into the crucial investigation of how self-regulation influences phishing susceptibility, while also examining the mediating role of information processing and the moderating influence of financial knowledge. A comprehensive survey was meticulously crafted, targeting 370 recent university graduates. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro, unveiling a mediated moderation model. The findings reveal that self-regulation does not directly predict phishing susceptibility. However, information processing, whether systematic or heuristic, significantly impacts phishing susceptibility. Additionally, information processing serves as a mediator, connecting self-regulation to phishing susceptibility. Notably, the interaction between systematic information processing and financial knowledge emerged as a significant determinant of phishing susceptibility. By establishing a comprehensive mediated moderation model, this study provides invaluable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to bolster their defenses against phishing attacks. Furthermore, it emphasizes the vital role of financial knowledge and employees’ heuristic information processing in mitigating cyber threats. This research serves as a crucial scientific contribution, offering compelling evidence that proactive management of contributing factors can effectively mitigate the escalating threats posed by phishing attacks.https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231217720
spellingShingle Muhammad Waqas
Alishba Hania
Farzan Yahya
Iqra Malik
Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
SAGE Open
title Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
title_full Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
title_fullStr Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
title_short Enhancing Cybersecurity: The Crucial Role of Self-Regulation, Information Processing, and Financial Knowledge in Combating Phishing Attacks
title_sort enhancing cybersecurity the crucial role of self regulation information processing and financial knowledge in combating phishing attacks
url https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231217720
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