Individual Responses to a Computer Virus Threat

Research on individual behavior and decision making in a virus infection situation is important for developing information security protection. We have previously reported experimental studies that gathered basic information on awareness and behavior in a virus infection situation. In the present study, using a questionnaire and an experiment, we have found that individual behavior in a virus infection situation differs from what the questionnaire responses indicate. Analyzing the experimental data in combination with questionnaire results, we have investigated the correlation between the personal profile and the actions of a person in taking antivirus measures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the results showed that "multimedia skill", "group norm", and "altruism" in the personal profile are related to coping behavior in a virus infection situation. We also discuss some possible improvements in our experimental system.