The Relationship between Cyber Immunization, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Threat, and Fear of Cybercrime

Abstract

This study investigates the interrelationship between cyber immunization, cyber resilience, cyber threat exposure, and fear of cybercrime. In particular, it explores how variations in cyber knowledge and experiences of cyber victimization influence these constructs. The study used a social survey. A special questionnaire was developed with a high reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha 0.946). Data was collected using a questionnaire from a convenient sample of (190) individuals from the Qatari Ministry of Interior. The tool demonstrates strong face and construct validity, as evidenced by the relationship between cyber threats and fear of crime (r = 0.369, α = 0.00).

The study found that citizens have a high awareness of some of the most significant cyber threats; over 60 percent recognize major internet security breaches occurred recently (63.2 percent), and more than half know about large data losses (60.5 percent). Cybersecurity threat, immunity and resilience, and knowledge together explain 20.0% of the variance in fear of cybercrime (p = <.001). Further, the study highlights the combined response of cognitive and emotional factors in perceiving cyber risks. When fear of cybercrime increases, and when a provider knows an individual that commits an IT crime, these factors would contribute to enhancing immunity against electronic threats. In terms of cybercrime, knowledge and resilience are efficient types of capable guardianship, which result in less stress affecting the mind. To offer a solution, organizations (primarily those involved in security and national infrastructure) should focus on fostering cyber immunization strategies, resilience training, and continual awareness programs.