From awareness to behaviour: understanding cybersecurity compliance in Vietnam

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of cybersecurity awareness and compliance attitudes on the protective behaviours exhibited by employees. This study also aims to explore the complex correlation between the level of awareness about cybersecurity measures and attitudes towards compliance with these measures. Additionally, it looks at how these factors collectively impact employees’ behaviour to protect organisational assets and information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research methodology in which primary data are gathered using a survey questionnaire distributed to personnel employed at Vietnamese organisations. The data are analysed, and the validity of the measurement and structural equation model is assessed using a partial least squares–structural equation model approach after the collection of all the survey responses.

Findings

The provision of policies and security education, training and awareness programmes are strongly and positively associated with cybersecurity awareness. Moreover, cybersecurity awareness plays an important role in shaping attitudes and intentions towards information security policy compliance (ISPC). Attitude is positively associated with intention towards ISPC and employee protective behaviour. Finally, the intention towards ISPC is significant in shaping employee protective behaviour.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the antecedents of cybersecurity in developing countries such as Vietnam. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding intention and protective behaviour through cybersecurity awareness and compliance attitudes. By combining the theory of planned behaviour and protection motivation theory with institutional governance, this study extends previous research on the effects of these variables on employee protective behaviour.

Citation

Tran, D.V., Nguyen, P.V., Le, L.P. and Nguyen, S.T.N. (2024), "From awareness to behaviour: understanding cybersecurity compliance in Vietnam", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-12-2023-4147