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Bridging the Communication Gap in Cyber Hygiene Material

Researchers will revise complex cyber hygiene materials to present information in plain language to promote equitable digital access. They’ll develop inclusive design guidelines for those with comprehension challenges associated with digital literacy and reading comprehension, benefiting vulnerable groups as well as the general population. 

Funded by the CCI Hub

Project Investigators

Rationale and Background

Many everyday tasks rely on digital services (e.g., banking, medical,  education), while cybersecurity best practices traditionally focus on technical security and usability. In Virginia, 20 percent of adults have low literacy, and many lack knowledge of cyber hygiene. Approximately 50 percent of Virginians have literacy levels of 2 or below, while most cybersecurity materials are currently written at or above Level 3. Cyber hygiene training is often not accessible to those with reading comprehension challenges. 

Methodology

Researchers will create design guidelines to improve comprehension of cyber hygiene recommendations, then implement and test guideline effectiveness in populations susceptible to low comprehension.

Participants from two special demographic groups will be recruited along with a more typical sample through local adult education services and individuals from rural areas. 

Projected Outcomes

Researchers will:

  • Develop and apply guidelines to cyber hygiene materials.
  • Collect data testing the effectiveness of the design guidelines in increasing accessibility for targeted groups.
  • Submit a National Science Foundation (NSF) proposal to extend the work. 

Project results will be used to refine guidelines on creating cyber hygiene  materials, to test and implement the guidelines in multimedia formats and training modules, and compare cyber hygiene behavior after exposure to materials created using the guidelines.