Predicting Online Target Hardening Behaviors: An Extension of Routine Activity Theory for Privacy-Enhancing Technologies and Techniques. Issue 12 (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ireland, Leanna
• Is Part Of: Deviant behavior. Volume 42:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1532
• Page End: 1548
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Deviant behavior -- Periodicals; 302.54205
• DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2020.1760418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9625

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using representative survey data from Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and five European Union member countries ( n = 9, 011), this paper predicts the use of privacy-enhancing technologies and techniques as a form of individual target hardening behavior. It presents a novel extension of routine activity theory by revisiting the theory from the perspective of Internet users in their efforts to minimize their likelihood of victimization. The results show that perceived concern and exposure to certain motivated offenders leads to target hardening behaviors, such as using two-factor authentication and antivirus software. Encryption communication services, however, were not associated with concern for any combination of motivated offenders. Moreover, perceived deficiencies in governmental but not company guardianship predicted new protective behaviors.