Improving users' security choices on home wireless networks

Abstract

Home networks are common but notoriously difficult to setup and maintain. The difficulty users experience in setting up and maintaining their home network is problematic because of the numerous security threats that can exploit poorly configured and maintained network security. Because there is little empirical data to characterize the usability problems associated with the adoption of wireless network security, we surveyed primary caretakers and users of 20 home networks, examining their perceptions and usage of the security features available to them. We found that users did not understand the difference between access control lists and encryption, and that devices fail to properly notify users of weak security configuration choices. To address these issues, we designed and evaluated a novel wireless router configuration wizard that encouraged strong security choices by improving the network configuration steps. We found that security choices made by users of our wizard resulted in stronger security practices when compared to the wizard from a leading equipment manufacturer.

Wireless Security in Libya: A Survey Paper

“…WLAN media are challenging to secure due to its broadcast nature. This property makes creating a good secured protocol that is similar to wired security modules a very arduous job [10]. WLAN depends on cryptographic technique to enable protection.…”

Transparent password policies: A case study of investigating end-user situational awareness

“…Another important issue that needs to be taken into consideration when securing a network is users' usability (Ho, Dearman and Truong, 2010). Bly et al (Bly et al, 2006) identified that non-tech savvy users have difficulties or are unable to understand the security principles.…”

“…(Whalen and Inkpen, 2005) identified transparent security as a weakness because users were not aware if they were at risk or secure at the end. A trade-off between these usability studies was proposed in (Ho, Dearman and Truong, 2010). Ho et al (Ho, Dearman and Truong, 2010) suggested a guided initial configuration wizard of the wireless access point when first powered up, helping the users making the most secure choices and explain at the same time which security protocols and features to enable.…”

“…A trade-off between these usability studies was proposed in (Ho, Dearman and Truong, 2010). Ho et al (Ho, Dearman and Truong, 2010) suggested a guided initial configuration wizard of the wireless access point when first powered up, helping the users making the most secure choices and explain at the same time which security protocols and features to enable. By using this method, home users get the information needed on best security practices and understand the basic secure configurations.…”

Mental Models of Verifiability in Voting

“…Friedman et al [15] tested users' conceptions of web security using semi-structured interviews that included a drawing task. Ho et al [16] interviewed caretakers of wireless home computer networks to understand how they deployed and secured the networks. Wash [17] conducted interviews to understand users' folk models of attackers and security technologies.…”