"Fear Can Inspire Remote Workers to Protect IT Resources"

According to a recent study by Washington State University (WSU) researchers, the strongest motivator for remote workers to maintain their employer's Information Technology (IT) security is fear of what could go wrong. However, it is most effective when employees have a thorough understanding of the severity of potential security threats, as well as the knowledge of what to do in the worst-case scenario. Since millions of Americans continue to work remotely, the study provides companies with insights for protecting their sensitive data. Robert Crossler, an associate professor in the Carson College of Business at WSU and the study's corresponding author, stated that the most important thing companies could do is properly express the risks and how serious they could be. The study analyzed and compared two ways for driving security compliance behaviors in a dynamic work environment. The protection motivation theory suggests that companies can foster secure behaviors through fear appeals, threat alerts, and the promotion of self-efficacy, or the ability to respond to a specific threat. The stewardship theory is a reciprocal agreement that attempts to drive employee behavior through a sense of moral responsibility. This approach involves management striving to persuade employees to embrace the organization's broader goal while providing them with the organizational support necessary to act freely in the face of a security threat. This article continues to discuss the study on what could inspire employees to protect IT resources. 

Washington State University reports "Fear Can Inspire Remote Workers to Protect IT Resources"