Title: Cultural impact on user authentication systems

Authors: Ahmed Alkaabi; Carsten Maple

Addresses: Computer Department, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JU, UK ' Computer Department, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JU, UK

Abstract: Sharing sensitive information including passwords of online accounts can be found in some themes, but with reason and generally on a small scale. However, we have conducted a study on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which has shown that there is a significant level of sensitive information-sharing among employees in the region. This is proven to highly contribute to compromising user digital authentication, eventually, putting users' accounts at risk. The potential threats of sensitive information-sharing can considerably harm both individuals and organisations in many ways. Technology and security solutions that aim to protect the organisation's assets will be limited if staff are not fully aware and convinced of the concept of information security. This paper discusses the consequences of this phenomenon on the GCC countries and suggests aspects of a solution based on the special characteristics of the Arab culture, which also considers human behaviour.

Keywords: Arab culture; information security; sensitive information; information sharing; password sharing; risk management; cultural impact; user authentication systems; Gulf Cooperation Council; GCC countries; employee awareness; human behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCRM.2013.058988

International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 2013 Vol.4 No.4, pp.323 - 343

Received: 29 Apr 2013
Accepted: 02 Oct 2013

Published online: 31 Mar 2014 *

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