A Digital Storytelling Model for Increasing Information Security Awareness among Kenyan Smartphone Users

Abstract

The proliferation of smartphones in Kenya has resulted to smartphone users’ overdependence on their phones for everyday activities. This increased interaction with smartphones poses a threat to users’ privacy and security. The exposure to threats establishes a need to understand users’ security awareness and behavior when using their mobile phones. To investigate user behaviour while using their mobile phones and their understanding of cyber security risks, this study surveyed 393 Kenyan smartphone users on security features that they implement as well as their understanding of potential security threats. The results show that most Kenyan Smartphone users are aware of security threats facing them and are greatly concerned about related security risks. However, users still make poor behavioral choices related to the use of smartphones, making them vulnerable to cyber security attacks. This paper proposes a Digital Storytelling (DST) model that forms a basis of creating a digital storytelling media that can be used to increase cyber security awareness among Kenyan smartphone users.