Social and Human Elements of Information Security: A Case Study

Abstract

This chapter attempts to understand the human and social factors in information security by bringing together three different universes of discourse – philosophy, human behavior and cognitive science. When these elements are combined they unravel a new approach to the design, implementation and operation of secure information systems. A case study of the design of a technological solution to the problem of extension of banking services to remote rural regions is presented and elaborated to highlight human and social issues in information security. It identifies and examines the concept of the ‘Other’ in information security literature. The final objective is to prevent the ‘Other’ from emerging and damaging secure systems rather than introducing complex lock and key controls.