Identity Theft Prevention Measures for State Unemployment Benefits Offices: A Case Study of Workforce West Virginia

Date of Conferral

10-10-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ernesto Escobedo

Abstract

Identity theft continues to pose an increasingly complex problem for government benefits offices. The purpose of this study was to explore the environmental factors that affected a state unemployment benefits office’s ability to reduce identity theft. Current research focused on protecting information systems’ hardware, software, and related infrastructure, focusing on cyberattacks such as phishing, Trojan horses, or illegal access. The U.S. government focuses on informing the consumer and assisting small businesses through risk assessments, strategic plans, and regulations for cybersecurity. Researchers have not conducted a thorough investigation of the environment that makes state government benefit offices susceptible to identity theft. The theoretical framework for this study was open systems theory using the six dimensions of digital governance. The research question involved the identification of the barriers to a state unemployment benefits office’s ability to reduce identity theft. A qualitative case study approach concentrated on the external environmental factors that affect the system. Data collection included documents, archival records, and artifacts from multiple sources. The outcome of this research may help to inform state governments to improve policies and procedures by providing administrative, operational, and technical controls. This study has implications for positive social change to inform efforts to reduce human costs (identity theft) and financial costs (government program fraud and individual recovery).

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