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MedISA

Medical Centre Employee Centered Information Security Awareness

LISA


Lightweight Information Security Awareness Scale (LISA)

DOI:10.22029/JLUPUB-20830
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Note on LISA: The short version specifically captures the latent dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and behavior in the field of information security, providing a valid situational overview even across heterogeneous workforce structures. As a practical screener, it enables a reliable assessment with minimal effort. The three dimensions can be applied flexibly: together for a comprehensive picture, or individually when the focus is placed specifically on knowledge, attitude, or behavior.
Year:2026
Language of items:German and English
Number of items:21
Reliability (McDonald's ω):Knowledge = .89, Attitude = .92, Behavior = .87
Validity:Factorial, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity as well as known-groups validity established. Criterion validity not yet demonstrated for the English version.
Measurement invariance:Scalar invariance for German and English supported
Sample for psychometric testing:A total of 1,182 participants were recruited via online access panels (DACH region: n = 601; UK: n = 581)

Items:

Knowledge
Instructions
The following statements are about your knowledge of how you should behave to comply with the information security guidelines at work.
Response Specifications
"Strongly agree" means that the statement fully complies with the information security guidelines. "Strongly disagree" means that the statement does not comply with the information security guidelines at all. You can use the options in between to grade your answers. (5-Point-Likert Scale)
CategoriesStatements
Shoulder surfingWhen working on a sensitive document, I must ensure that strangers can´t see the screen of my laptop or tablet.
Leaving sensitive materialI am allowed to leave print-outs containing sensitive information on my desk when I step away from it.
Reporting all incidentsIt´s optional to report security incidents.
Education & sensitivityStaff must partake in training and educational courses on information security on a regular basis.
Policy knowledgeStaff must regularly keep themselves up to date on the organisation´s information security regulations and policies.
Conversation confidentialityWhen discussing confidential information, it is necessary to ensure that unauthorised persons cannot overhear.
Accountability in case of misconductThe accidental disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorised persons must be reported.
Attitude
Instructions
The following statements are about your attitude towards the information security guidelines at work. Now please tell us what you think about these guidelines.
Response Specifications
"Strongly agree" means that the statement completely aligns with your attitude. "Strongly disagree" means that the statement has nothing at all to do with your attitude. You can use the options in between to grade your responses. (5-Point-Likert Scale)
CategoriesStatements
Shoulder surfingIt´s risky to access sensitive work files on portable devices such as laptop or tablet if strangers can see my screen.
Leaving sensitive materialIt´s risky to leave print-outs that contain sensitive information on my desk unattended.
Reporting all incidentsIt´s risky to ignore security incidents, even if I think they´re not significant.
Education & sensitivityIt is useful for staff to take part in training and educational courses on information security on a regular basis.
Policy knowledgeIt is appropriate to keep myself up to date with the organisation’s regulations and guidelines on information security on a regular basis.
Conversation confidentialityIt is risky to discuss confidential information if unauthorised persons are able to overhear.
Accountability in case of misconductIt is important to report when sensitive information is accidentally disclosed to unauthorised persons.
Behavior
Instructions
The following statements are about your behavior regarding information security at work. Now please tell us how you act at work.
Response Specifications
"Strongly agree" means that the statement completely aligns with your behavior. "Strongly disagree" means that the statement has nothing at all to do with your behavior. You can use the options in between to grade your responses. (5-Point-Likert Scale)
CategoriesStatements
Shoulder surfingI check that strangers can´t see the screen of my portable device, such as laptop or tablet, if I´m working on a sensitive document.
Leaving sensitive materialI leave print-outs that contain sensitive information on my desk when I´m not there.
Reporting all incidentsIf I notice a security incident, I would report it.
Education & sensitivityI regularly attend courses or training on information security.
Policy knowledgeI regularly keep myself informed about the regulations and guidelines on information security within my organisation.
Conversation confidentialityI sometimes discuss confidential information even though others may be listening.
Accountability in case of misconductI will report if I accidentally disclose sensitive information to an unauthorised person.