Digital divide and socio-economic differences in smartphone information security behaviour among university students: empirical evidence from Pakistan

Protection of smartphone devices is a capital-enhancing activity that is rooted in the safe and secure use of these devices. However, the socio-economic and digital disparities affect such protective behaviour - specifically in developing nations where such differences are rife. This study explores the information security behaviour of smartphone users through digital and socio-economic disparities along with demographic characteristics. A survey questionnaire was administered to 306 students in universities of Pakistan employing a stratified multi-stage sampling technique. Analysis was carried out using frequencies and Pearson's Chi-square statistics. The findings suggest that students show lax smartphone information security behaviour. Digital divide and socio-economic differences reveal that students with greater Internet access and higher socio-economic status exhibited better behaviour in using smartphone settings and disaster recovery mechanisms. The study provides relevant institutes and government departments with insights to develop interventions, strategies, policies and specific training programs to better users' information security behaviour.