E-waste information security protection motivation: the role of optimism bias

Purpose Electronic waste (e-waste) such as discarded computers and smartphones may contain large amounts of confidential data. Improper handling of remaining information in e-waste can, therefore, drive information security risk. This risk, however, is not always properly assessed and managed. The authors take the protection motivation theory (PMT) lens of analysis to understand intentions to protect one's discarded electronic assets. Design/methodology/approach By applying structural equation modeling, the authors empirically tested the proposed model with survey data from 348 e-waste handling users. Findings Results highlight that (1) protection intention is influenced by the perceived threat of discarding untreated e-waste (a threat appraisal) and self-efficacy to treat the discarded e-waste (a coping appraisal) and (2) optimism bias plays a dual-role in a direct and moderating way to reduce the perceived threat of untreated e-waste and its effect on protection intentions. Originality/value Results support the assertions and portray a unique theoretical account of the processes that underline people's motivation to protect their data when discarding e-waste. As such, this study explains a relatively understudied information security risk behavior in the e-waste context, points to the role of optimism bias in such decisions and highlights potential interventions that can help to alleviate this information security risk behavior.

Automated summary

This study applies the Protection Motivation Theory to understand individuals' intentions to protect their discarded electronic assets, finding that optimism bias plays a key role in reducing the perceived threat of untreated e-waste and influencing protection intentions. The research highlights the importance of addressing information security risk behavior in the context of e-waste, and emphasizes potential interventions to mitigate these risks.