Mobile Devices and Cyber Security - An Exploratory Study on User's Response to Cyber Security Challenges

In today’s increasingly connected, global, and fast-paced computing environment, sophisticated security threats are common occurrences and detrimental to users at home as well as in business. The first and most important step against computer security attacks is the awareness and understanding of the nature of the threats and their consequences. Although the users of mobile devices and laptops are often the target of security threats, many of them, specifically millennials, seem oblivious of such threats. A survey of college students reveals that despite all the hype about cybersecurity and its potential damages, the respondents are using their mobile devices without much apprehension or thoughts about threats, potential damages, and safeguarding against them. This study is on the premise that as the use of mobile devices is exponentially increasing among millennials, their laid back attitude and behaviour in response to cybersecurity is alarming and not to be overlooked. Simple solutions such as availability of useful information should be considered.