Abstract

Identifying effective methods for persuading computer users to adhere to information security guidelines is a major preoccupation of security researchers and practitioners. In this study we investigate how different message structures can affect the persuasive power of information security communications. We use a 2 X 2 factorial design to investigate the role of message framing (either positive or negative) and message advocacy (prevention-oriented or detection-oriented) on listeners. In this research, in addition to collecting behavioral results (i.e., self-reports), we collect brain data using the fMRI technique, which allows us to form a more complete understanding of the cognitive processes underlying message comprehension. In this document, we discuss the research questions, the experimental procedures, as well as the anticipated implications of this research-in-progress for information security theory and practice.

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