Online safety awareness and human factors: An application of the theory of human ecology

Efforts have been made on large and small scales to reduce cybersecurity threats around the world, including in Malaysia. However, scholars have argued that, in spite of the technological preparations countries can take to shield themselves from attack, human factors may be the key reason behind increasing breaches in cybersafety in recent years. In this review, developed in a social sciences context, we argue that intra- and interpersonal human factors, such as biological, psychological, and cultural factors, must be considered holistically to effectively increase awareness of the importance of online safety. We also argue that these personal and psychological factors can be framed using Urie Bronfenbrenner's theory of human ecology, which, along with previous studies, points to the importance of examining the various layers of environmental factors that affect human behavior. Lastly, this paper also considers what types of education and training can effectively utilize the knowledge of human factors to increase online safety awareness. •This paper considers the human factors (personal and psychological) to online safety awareness when in cyberworld.•These human factors correspond to the layers of social environments as laid out by the Theory of Human Ecology.•Cultural factors should also be considered in training modules or educational strategies in enhancing online safety awareness.