Volume 15, Number 3

The Relationship Between the Characteristics of Software Developers and Security Behavior Intention

  Authors

Wisdom Umeugo, Independent Researcher, Canada

  Abstract

Software security is integral to information security, requiring software developers to be aware of software security as implementers and information security as employees. Little is known about the impact of software developers’ characteristics on their information security behaviors. This study examined the relationship between software developer characteristics such as their application security awareness (AW), training, and self-efficacy (SE) and their information security behavior intention (SeBI). Data from a survey of 200 software developers in the United States were analyzed using correlational statistical methods. AW and SE positively correlated with SeBI, while application security training did not correlate. Developers’ AW and SeBI mean score was found to be poor. Information security managers should aim to improve software developers’ application security awareness and self-efficacy to help improve their information security behavior. Application security training infused with information security awareness and conducted by application security experts is recommended.

  Keywords

Self-efficacy, Software security, Information security, Security behavior, Awareness, Application security