Identification and ranking of security indicators in online social networks with MADM technique

The purpose of this study is to identify and rank security indicators in online social networks. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram.

The information technology units of Melli Bank have been studied and 30 people have been considered as research experts. For this purpose, seven important indicators were identified and TOPSIS technique was used to prioritize the indicators. Then, using Spearman correlation test, the relationship between the identified indicators and online social network security was investigated. For this purpose, a questionnaire with 24 items was distributed and 262 samples were collected and analyzed.

The results show that security indicators in online social networks in order of priority are: implementation of authentication and licensing mechanisms, use of up-to-date software and avoidance of suspicious programs, restriction of personal information dissemination, monitoring to prevent unauthorized processing of information, compliance with standards the country's IT infrastructure, and the installation of an intruder detection system. Also, based on the results of Spearman correlation test, all factors have had a positive and significant effect on social network security.

Originality/Value: 

In this study, we concluded that there is a significant relationship between the effective factors and the security of social networks on the line defined for these networks. In fact, the development of information and communication technology infrastructures and the increase in the number of users using virtual social networks, justifies the need to create and develop a mechanism for establishing security in these communication networks.