Ageing smart home devices can pose a threat to security and privacy, especially if they no longer receive updates. This is the key finding of a recent study conducted by Worms University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the University of Maribor. Over 500 people were surveyed for the study. The aim was to find out which factors influence the decision to keep older smart home devices or replace them with newer, more secure models.
One result of the study is that the perceived usefulness of new devices is decisive for replacement. Concerns about data protection and unauthorized access also influence the decision. However, both financial and time aspects can represent a barrier for the consumer. Interestingly, these correlations were only found to be significant for devices older than three years. Manufacturers could use these findings to develop targeted marketing strategies.
Julia Lenz, one of the authors of the study, emphasized that despite all the research on the safety of smart devices, little is known about the safe use of older devices. The current study fills this gap and provides insights into the behavior and intentions of users. Interested parties can read the results of the study in the journal "Computers and Security" or at sciencedirect.com. The study was funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science and Health.
Sources and further information: kisat.ztt.hs-worms.de/sciencedirect.com/idw-online.de
© wavepoint
