User Information Security Behavior in Virtual Professional Communities Based on Technology Threat Avoidance Approach

The purpose of this study was to determine the information security behavior of users in professional virtual communities based on Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch.

The method of the present study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of this study was faculty members of Islamic Azad University of Kermanshah, which was selected data.. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation matrix and structural equation test were used to analyze the data using SPSS and Amos software.

The results indicated that the variables "Safeguarding Measure Cost", "Perceived Susceptibility", "Perceived Severity", "Information Security Knowledge Sharing" and "Information Security Experience" had a positive and significant relationship with users’ “Avoidance Behavior”. On the other hand, the variable "Avoidance Motivation" as a mediating dependent variable had a positive and significant relationship with "Avoidance Behavior". Also, the fit of the model showed that the proposed conceptual model was very useful.

The results of the research showed that it is necessary for the planners and trustees of information protection in organizations to provide necessary and continuous training for people to better understand information protection against various threats. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to various factors, including sharing knowledge and experience of people and creating a safe environment for trust between people. On the other hand, awareness and understanding of the types of threats and the nature of each of them will lead to keeping organizations healthy and progressing.