Investigating the Perceived Threats of Computerized Accounting Information Systems in Developing Countries: An Empirical Study on Saudi Organizations

The objective of this paper is to investigate the significant perceived security threats of computerized accounting information systems (CAIS) in Saudi organizations. An empirical survey using a self-administered questionnaire has been carried out to achieve this objective. The survey results revealed that almost half of the responded Saudi organizations have suffered financial losses due to internal and external CAIS security breaches. The statistical results also revealed that accidental and intentional entry of bad data; accidental destruction of data by employees; employees’ sharing of passwords; introduction of computer viruses to CAIS; suppression and destruction of output; unauthorized document visibility; and directing prints and distributed information to people who are not entitled to receive are the most significant perceived security threats to CAIS in Saudi organizations. Accordingly, it is recommended to strengthen the security controls over the above weaken security areas and to enhance the awareness of CAIS security issues among Saudi organizations to achieve better protection to their CAIS.