Understanding negotiated anti-malware interruption effects on user decision quality in endpoint security

Abstract

Anti-malware software must be frequently updated in order to protect the system and the user from attack. Makers of this software must choose between interrupting the user to update immediately or allowing them to update later. In either case, assessing the content of the interruption may still require cognitive investment. However, by allowing the user to negotiate a delayed response to these interruptions, users can instead focus on their work. This paper experimentally examines the effect of immediate and negotiated interruptions on user decision time and decision accuracy in multiple stage tasks. For complex tasks, decision performance is higher when the user can negotiate the onset of and response to interruptions. The option to defer response also results in greater subjective perceptions of control, improved task resumption and reduced feelings of interruption and distraction on the part of the user, even within a short period of time. These findings have practical implications for endpoint security and where there is a need to mitigate the effects of user interruptions from computer-mediated communication in complex task situations.

What we think we know about cybersecurity: an investigation of the relationship between perceived knowledge, internet trust, and protection motivation in a cybercrime context

“…However, it is not a good idea to interrupt people's tasks and thought processes too brusquely, as this can degrade users' decision-making efficiency and accuracy (Tan et al, 2020), nor is it desirable to scare internet users too much, since perceived risk has proven to be associated with people refraining from performing specific internet activities (e.g., online shopping). This results in individuals missing out on opportunities the internet has to offer, which translates into a considerable opportunity cost to society in general (Riek et al, 2014).…”

Simulating and Estimating the Effectiveness of Security Notification by ISP to Malware-Infected Users

“…Works [8], [13], [20] discussed the lifespan of malware and analyzed the attacks. Works [3], [4], [5], [11], [12], [13] pro-posed the method to send security notifications to infected users to evoke further activities for countermeasures against the malware, such as turning the power of the infected devices off, closing the open ports, or removing the malware by anti-virus tools. Work [10] sent security notifications to industrial control systems to avoid damage.…”

“…As an increasing number of devices are connected to the Internet, cyberattacks targeting them become critical issues. IoT botnets, such as Mirai and its variants, conduct impactful DDoS attacks damaging network operators by consuming their network resources [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [14], [15], [21].…”

Customers create customers!–Assessing the role of perceived personalization, online advertising engagement and online users' modes in generating positive e-WOM

“…As a result, it suggests a possible influence on electronic word of mouth. Companies expose users to online behavioral advertisements (OBA) based on their interests, past online history and behaviors in order to customize the services offered to online users (Tan et al, 2021). Besides, one of the most crucial types of personalization for online users is high level of content personalization because it aids in the completion of their online tasks (Bleier and Eisenbeiss, 2015).…”