Improving Mental Models of Computer Security Through Information Graphics
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Many users have difficulties making effective security decisions. Education is one way to improve users' mental models of computer security, but a common challenge is that users are not motivated to learn about security. We propose that a visual approach to education can improve comprehension and engagement with security information. This thesis examines whether information graphics form an effective, memorable, and persuasive method of communication to increase computer security understanding and improve user behaviour. Guided by visual-textual strategies developed in education literature, we designed seven pieces of instructional materials that help end-users learn about password guessing attacks and antivirus protection. These include five infographics and two interactive comics. Five one-week user studies with a total of 145 participants show that information graphics led to superior learning outcomes and a better user experience than existing text-alone approaches. Participants showed an increase of comprehension, retention, and improved behaviour after one week.
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Copyright © 2013 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.
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- 2013
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zhang-kennedy-improvingmentalmodelsofcomputersecuritythrough.pdf | 2023-05-04 | Public | Download |