Contextualising smartphone cybersecurity perceptions through the extended self

Abstract

This thesis explores the perceptions of users in relation to the cybersecurity of smartphones. As smartphones become an essential technology in society and are used by billions of people globally, securing these devices is of critical importance due to the vast amount of sensitive data stored on and accessed through them, as well as multiple means of accessing an individual’s finances. To capture the way in which smartphones play a profound role in the user’s life, the theory of the Extended Self is used to conceptualise the smartphone as part of the user’s sense of self. The thesis explores users’ perceptions, priorities, and behaviours around smartphone security, with an emphasis on how the importance of smartphones in modern life acts as a motivator or demotivator to acting securely. The thesis explored this over four studies, using different qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings show that user perceptions have evolved rapidly over the short lifespan of smartphones, with many personal and subjective factors influencing both the perceptions and behaviours of smartphone security. Additionally, the thesis shows that the everyday utility of the smartphone may drive security perceptions positively, while the challenges associated with intensive smartphone use may influence security engagement negatively. The findings offer important insights for a number of groups. Smartphones manufacturers and developers can make use of these findings to ensure that security decisions and responsibilities for users are clear. Employers, who expect employees to use their smartphones for work purposes, should consider that where the smartphone becomes a source of contention for an employee, they may act less securely. For users themselves, the findings show that securing their device is an essential part of maintaining both the safety of their finances and data, and the vast range of essential functionalities they rely on their smartphone for.

Date of Award	24 Oct 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Liz Sillence (Supervisor) & James Nicholson (Supervisor)