"USF Research Reveals Language Barriers Limit Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Resources"
Fawn Ngo, an associate professor at the University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, explored the connections among demographic characteristics, cyber hygiene practices, and cyber victimization using a sample of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet users. The study's paper, "Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study," is co-authored by Katherine Holman, a USF graduate student and former Georgia state prosecutor, and Anurag Agarwal, a professor of information systems, analytics, and supply chain at Florida Gulf Coast University. Their research focused on Spanish and Vietnamese speakers. LEP Internet users, like most people, are concerned about cyber threats and want to be safe online. However, they are limited by a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, which hinders the accurate collection of cyber victimization data from vulnerable populations. The study found that many well-intentioned LEP users continue to engage in risky online behaviors such as using unsecured networks and sharing passwords. This article continues to discuss key findings from the study regarding language barriers limiting the effectiveness of cybersecurity resources.
Submitted by grigby1