PhD graduate explores the human element in cyber security

PhD graduate explores the human element in cyber security

RMIT PhD graduate Dr. Pham Cong Hiep was awarded his doctorate in Vietnam after completing his research in Melbourne, which detailed the implications of cyber security on IT users and security professionals.

A senior lecturer in the Centre of Commerce and Management at RMIT Vietnam, Hiep's interest in the field of cyber security inspired him to conduct his PhD research on an increasingly important global industry.

"I have been fascinated with cyber security as it has such a mysterious hype about its potential impact on the safety and protection of organisational information assets," Hiep said.

"When exploring further on the topic, I learned that cyber security is much more than just employing technical measures for protection, it is more a human factor which is the security behaviour of IT users that greatly affect the effectiveness of overall security programs."

RMIT PhD graduate Dr. Pham Cong Hiep was awarded his doctorate. RMIT PhD graduate Dr. Pham Cong Hiep was awarded his doctorate.

Hiep used his interest in cyber security to examine whether IT users developed stress from complying with security requirements and how it affected security behaviour.

"This led to the identification of organisational resources, individual self-efficacy, and their task enjoyment that can promote security compliance," Hiep said.

"The findings can inform the development of effective compliance initiatives."

Hiep's findings will not only be applicable in Vietnam, as he believes that they could be used in international markets.

"My research findings can apply widely in most organisational contexts as the determinant factors are sourced from abroad studies and tested in Vietnamese users," said Hiep.

Hiep's experience at RMIT has largely contributed towards the success of his research, with the university offering continuous support throughout his PhD.

"RMIT has supported my study both financially and time so that I could complete the PhD in much faster time," Hiep said

"I had great supervisors who dedicated their time and expertise in an enduring but joyful journey with me."

"Conducting my research at RMIT was natural as I had been working with my supervisors as colleagues before they became my supervisors." 

Hiep intends to advance his academic career through PhD supervision, grant applications and quality journal publications after receiving his doctorate.

"I also aim to engage in more educational research which can utilise the international educational context that RMIT is engaging in," Hiep said.

Story: Daniel Eslick

08 December 2016

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