The effect of warning messages on secure behaviour online : results from a lab experiment

Increasing safety and security online can help boost the opportunities for people and businesses to trade, innovate and interact in digital markets. The level of online security is affected by technical factors, natural events and human behaviour. This study contributes to policy initiatives aimed at getting consumers to increase their online security. It tests several warning messages, based on behavioural insights, which could persuade consumers to behave more securely while online, thus diminishing their chances of suffering a cyber-attack.