Self-paced cybersecurity awareness training educating retail employees to identify phishing attacks

ABSTRACT

This generic qualitative inquiry study examined the features needing improvement in self-paced cybersecurity awareness training to educate retail employees to identify phishing attacks. The researcher used a thematic analysis to investigate the responses postulated by participants. The researcher evaluated the responses solely based on the transcription of each participant. NVivo 12 performed queries and matched data [1]]. The qualitative analysis revealed the emerging themes. The emerging themes are topics included in self-paced cybersecurity awareness training, methods to improve it, factors affecting motivation to finish it, and its frequency and duration. Findings from this generic qualitative research study will assist security practitioners of the cybersecurity and information technology field in implementing practical self-paced cybersecurity awareness training to affect employees’ safe computing practices to identify phishing attacks.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-paced cybersecurity awareness training
• phishing attacks
• retail employees
• information technology
• generic qualitative inquiry

Biographical note

Dr. Jamaine Mungo’s professional experience encompasses over 20 years of experience in information security and implementing next-generation cyber initiatives, delivering advanced technology concepts, researching cybersecurity risks, and automated remediation solutions. He has established robust cybersecurity programs for the Department of Defense, State agencies, and Corporations, leading several high-level corporate initiatives regarding vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security education awareness, and process improvements with automation, system hardening, and remote access programs. He is a certified information security professional with proven leadership abilities and a motivated team leader who focuses on exceeding project expectations and attention to detail. He has successfully deployed security policies to ensure information system compliance with high-level support. He enjoys learning and researching next-generation advanced technology developments that impact cybersecurity and defend against malicious activities launched by adversaries.

Acknowledgments

This study is dedicated to my extraordinary wife, Eileen. She has been inspirational in providing me with the dedicated support, endless encouragement, understanding, and limitless love essential to making it to the finish line. Eileen always continued to provide me with inspiration and motivation. This study is also dedicated to my family and friends. Thank my esteemed mentor Dr. Hamilton for the great wealth of knowledge, conversations, valuable insight, and expert academic guidance that has helped me tremendously throughout this journey. I want to thank my committee members, Dr. Mostafa, and Dr. Borchers, for their valued support, insightful feedback, and academic advice that has allowed me to reach the completion milestone. Thank Dr. Manlandro for the expert leadership, educational value, and encouragement. A special thanks to the distinguished Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Joe Rush, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Cherilien, and Dr. Gray for their expert academic guidance, inspiring me to pursue my dreams of a scholar. I am grateful for the contributions they have made.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Data availability statement

The dataset collected is submitted as supplementary material by hiding confidential and personal information.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from public, commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.