Factors Affecting Information Security and the Implementation of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Programmes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Abstract

In recent years, desktop computer use has decreased while smartphone use has increased. This trend is also prevalent in the Middle East, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Therefore, the Saudi government has prioritised overcoming the challenges that smartphone users face as smartphones are considered critical infrastructure. The high number of information security (InfoSec) breaches and concerns has prompted most government stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies and regulations that introduce inclusive InfoSec systems. This has, mostly, been motivated by a keenness to adopt digital transformations and increase productivity while spending efficiently. This present study used quantitative measures to assess user acceptance of bring your own device (BYOD) programmes and identifies the main factors affecting their adoption using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. Constructs, such as the perceived business (PT-Bs) and private threats (PT-Ps) as well as employer attractiveness (EA), were also added to the UTAUT model to provide the public, private, and non-profit sectors with an acceptable method of adopting BYOD programmes. The factors affecting the adoption of BYOD programmes by the studied sectors of the KSA were derived from the responses of 857 participants.

Keywords

• bring your own device (BYOD)
• information security
• Saudi Arabia