You are invited to participate in a research study entitled Trust in AI-Assisted Cybersecurity Tools and Decision-Making Behaviors Among Cybersecurity Professionals in SMEs. You were selected as a potential participant due to your experience working as a cybersecurity professional and your exposure to or use of AI-assisted cybersecurity tools. Please read this form and ask any questions you may have before acting on this invitation to participate in the study.
This study is being conducted by Daoud Omar, a doctoral candidate at the University of the Cumberlands, and has been approved by the UC Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Background Information:
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between trust in AI-assisted cybersecurity tools and cybersecurity decision-making behaviors among cybersecurity professionals working in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study will involve approximately 55-75 participants.
Inclusion Criteria:
You can participate in this study if you:
• Are at least 18 years old
• Currently work in a cybersecurity, information security role, or Information technology position where you use AI for security purposes
• Work for or support a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
• Have experience using, interacting with, or evaluating AI-assisted cybersecurity tools or automated alert systems
• Can read and understand English
Procedures:
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete an online survey. The survey will include questions related to trust in AI-assisted cybersecurity tools, reliance on automated alerts, and cybersecurity decision-making behaviors. Participation is expected to take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
Voluntary Nature of the Study:
Your participation in this study is strictly voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relationships with your employer, the University of the Cumberlands, or any affiliated organization. If you initially decide to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without penalty.
Risks and Benefits of Participation:
There is no foreseen risk associated with participating in this study, and there is no direct individual benefit to participation. However, study findings may contribute to a better understanding of how cybersecurity professionals trust and use AI-assisted cybersecurity tools during security decision-making processes. In the event you experience stress or discomfort during participation, you may stop participating at any time or skip any questions you do not wish to answer.
Compensation:
There will be no compensation provided for your participation in this study.
Recording:
This study does not involve audio or video recording.
Confidentiality:
Any data gathered from your participation will remain confidential. We will collect your email address for research purposes, but your individual responses will be kept confidential in any published reports or presentations. Research records will be securely retained in accordance with University of the Cumberlands IRB requirements.
Contacts and Questions:
The researcher conducting this study is Daoud Omar. The researcher’s faculty advisor is Dr. Brett Gordon, brett.gordon@ucumberlands.edu. You may ask any questions you have related to the consent to participation. If you have questions later, you may contact them via domar73303@ucumberlands.edu or the UC Institutional Review Board (IRB) office at irb@ucumberlands.edu.
I have read the above information, been given adequate time to consider the information, and understand my participation is voluntary so I may stop participation at any point. I have asked questions and received answers. I consent to take part in this study and understand I can download a copy of the completed form.
