Assessing the usability of WLAN security for SOHO users
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Computer and Information Science / Centre for Security Research
RAS ID
4037
Abstract
Wireless technologies provide the basis for a constantly increasing percentage of current Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks, particularly due to the connectivity and setup convenience that they can offer. Unfortunately, the security considerations counterbalance the connectivity advantages, as default settings for wireless access points often provide no encryption or network protection. This study assesses a number of wireless access points and highlights that although the devices may incorporate appropriate security functionality, users may face difficulties when attempting to understand and configure the related features. The causes here are often a lack of accompanying explanation and guidance, as well as confusing presentation of options at the user interface level. As such, it is concluded that usability factors may represent practical obstacles to the deployment of appropriately secured wireless networks.
Comments
Ghita, B. V., & Furnell, S. M. (2006). Assessing the usability of WLAN security for SOHO users. Proceedings of the The 5th Security Conference: The Challenge of Managing System Integrity.