Navigating Data Secrecy Challenges: A Study on Cyberespionage Intentions in the WFH Era

• Published in: Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series B
• Main Author: Abu Samah I.H.; Sarip A.; Ishak M.K.; Shaari R.; Rahim N.S.A.; Abd Rashid I.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85187422825&doi=10.1007%2fs40031-024-01022-1&partnerID=40&md5=ed3d4b39f7423bbdd404241d78a67781

In the contemporary landscape of remote work, the surge in cyberespionage poses unprecedented challenges to data secrecy. As organizations transition toward a work-from-home (WFH) paradigm, the traditional boundaries of secure office environments have blurred, rendering sensitive information more vulnerable than ever. The study aims to explore the challenges in remote work dynamics, cybersecurity measures, and the prevalence of cyberespionage (CE), providing insights to enhance organizational data protection strategies. The research highlights a significant correlation between robust cybersecurity training programs for remote employees and a lower incidence of cyberespionage. The study utilized this quantitative study to delve into the challenges posed by data secrecy in the WFH era, specifically focusing on CE intentions. The study employed a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, and the research employed random sampling to gather insights from 374 participants. The study result reveals an inverse relationship between employee awareness and vigilance regarding cybersecurity threats during the WFH era and the likelihood of successful CE attempts. The research contributes novel insights crucial for organizations navigating the evolving landscape of data secrecy challenges in the WFH era. The study analyzes the risk of CE targeting sensitive corporate data in remote work scenarios compared to traditional office setups. The study suggests that the motivation for CE activities intensifies, capitalizing on weakened cybersecurity postures and the increased value of information accessible through remote work channels. © The Institution of Engineers (India) 2024.