Herd behavior in information security decision-making

Current information security behavior research assumes that lone individuals make a rational, informed decision about security technologies based on careful consideration of personally available information. We challenge this assumption by examining how the herd behavior influences users' security decisions when coping with security threats. The results show that uncertainty about a security technology leads users to discount their own information and imitate others. We found that imitation tendency has a more substantial effect on security decisions than the personal perceived efficacy of the security technology. It is essential for researchers and managers to consider how the herd behavior effect influences users' security decisions.

Automated summary

The study found that uncertainty about security technologies leads users to imitate others rather than rely on their personal perceived efficacy when dealing with security threats. Researchers and managers should take into consideration the influence of herd behavior effect on users' security decisions.