Measuring User Confidence in Smartphone Security and Privacy Erika Chin∗, Adrienne Porter Felt∗, Vyas Sekary, David Wagner∗ ∗University of California, Berkeley yIntel Labs {emc,apf,daw}@cs.berkeley.edu,
[email protected] ABSTRACT Despite the popularity of smartphones, there are reasons to be- In order to direct and build an effective, secure mobile ecosys- lieve that privacy and security concerns might be inhibiting users tem, we must first understand user attitudes toward security and from realizing the full potential of their mobile devices. Although privacy for smartphones and how they may differ from attitudes to- half of U.S. adults own smartphones [5], mobile online shopping ward more traditional computing systems. What are users’ comfort is only 3% of overall shopping revenues [7], suggesting that users levels in performing different tasks? How do users select appli- are hesitant to perform these tasks on their smartphones. A re- cations? What are their overall perceptions of the platform? This cent commercial study also found that 60% of smartphone users understanding will help inform the design of more secure smart- are concerned that using mobile payments could put their financial phones that will enable users to safely and confidently benefit from and personal security at risk [4]. the potential and convenience offered by mobile platforms. Our goal is to help smartphone users confidently and securely To gain insight into user perceptions of smartphone security and harness the power of mobile platforms. In order to improve the se- installation habits, we conduct a user study involving 60 smart- curity of mobile systems, we must understand the challenges and phone users.