An Empirical Assessment of the Perception of Computer Security between US and Korea : Focused on Rootkits

Abstract

The surveys were conducted from 400 students of five Korea and three U.S. universities to compare their knowledge and experience with various forms of malware.They provide an empirical assessment of the cross-cultural similarities and differences between students in the two countries. The variables examined include knowledge of computer viruses, spyware, and rootkits as well as perceptions of the damage that can result from various computer malware.While the two groups are similar with respect to their relative familiarity of rootkits compared with that of spyware and viruses, and in terms of how they perceive the malware knowledge of their peers, they exhibit significant differences in self-reported perceptions of rootkit familiarity. U.S. students report higher levels for all tested malware types, including the fictional "Trilobyte" virus. These comparisons reveal that little is known about rootkits today. However, there is hope for an accelerated rootkit awareness because of the rapid assimilation of Spyware knowledge in recent years.