Going Beyond the Individual Level: Social Factors that Influence Information Security

Information security encompasses a wide array of concepts, ranging from an individual's right to privacy to the protection of a company's data. This means it can sometimes be difficult to understand the role of social aspects when it comes to how both individuals and groups practice information security. While information security is often understood at an individual level, it is important to consider the social aspects that have a greater influence on how both individuals and groups practice information security. First and foremost, the technological environment in which information security is practiced can have a significant effect on the kind of strategies employed. For example, a company may install the latest anti-malware software for its computers, but if its employees’ smartphones are unprotected, the company’s data is still at risk. Furthermore, a company’s cultural environment can also have an impact on the level of security adopted by its employees. If the organisation has a culture of open sharing, information can be leaked more easily than in an organisation with a culture of strict security. In addition, an oft-overlooked social aspect of information security is the community within which the security is being practiced. In some cases, communities with a higher level of trust may be able to share more information without the same risk of it being hacked or stolen. On the other hand, in communities where there is a lack of trust, individuals and groups may be more likely to practice strict security protocols. Finally, the motivations and incentives of individuals and groups also play a significant role in how information security is practiced. For example, if there is a financial incentive for a group to protect its data, it may be more likely to invest in more stringent security protocols. In contrast, if there is no financial incentive for individuals to practice security protocols, they may be more likely to take shortcuts or overlook security measures altogether. In conclusion, information security is often understood at an individual level, which fails to consider the wider implications of the social environment. The technological environment, the cultural environment, the community in which information security is practiced and the incentives for individuals and groups all have a major impact on how both individuals and groups practice information security. An understanding of these social aspects is essential for effective information security.