Smart home cybersecurity awareness and behavioral incentives

Douha, N’guessan Yves-Roland and Renaud, Karen and Taenaka, Yuzo and Kadobayashi, Youki (2023) Smart home cybersecurity awareness and behavioral incentives. Information and Computer Security, 31 (5). pp. 545-575. ISSN 2056-4961

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Abstract

Purpose – Smart-home security involves multi-layered security challenges related to smart-home devices, networks, mobile applications, cloud servers, and users. However, very few studies focus on smart-home users. This paper aims to fill this gap by investigating the potential interests of adult smart-home users in cybersecurity awareness training and non-financial rewards that may encourage them to adopt sound cybersecurity practices. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 423 smart-home users between the ages of 25 and 64 completed a survey questionnaire for this study, with 224 participants from Japan and 199 from the UK. Findings – Cultural factors considerably influence adult smart-home users’ attitudes toward cybersecurity. Specifically, cultural differences impact their willingness to participate in cybersecurity awareness training, their views on the importance of cybersecurity training for children and senior citizens, and their preference for non-financial rewards as an incentive for good cybersecurity behavior. These results highlight the need to consider cultural differences and their potential impact when developing and implementing cybersecurity programs that target smart-home users. Originality/value – The paper investigates whether adult smart-home users are willing to spend time and money to engage in cybersecurity awareness training and to encourage their children and elderly parents to participate in training, as well. In addition, the paper examines incentives, especially non-financial rewards, that may motivate adult smart-home users to adopt cybersecurity behaviors at home. Furthermore, the paper analyses demographic differences among smart-home users in Japan and the UK. Practical implications – This research has two main implications. First, it provides insights for information security professionals on the importance of designing cost-effective and time-efficient cybersecurity awareness training programs for smart-home users. Second, the findings may assist governments in establishing non-financial incentives to encourage greater uptake of cybersecurity practices among smart-home users.

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