The password practices applied by South African online consumers : perception versus reality
Date
2015-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: The ability to identify and authenticate users is regarded as the foundation of
computer security. Although new authentication technologies are evolving, passwords are the
most common method used to control access in most computer systems. Research suggests
that a large portion of computer security password breaches are the result of poor user
security behaviour. The password creation and management practices that online consumers
apply have a direct effect on the level of computer security and are often targeted in attacks.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate South African online consumers’
computer password security practices and to determine whether consumers’ perceptions
regarding their password security ability is reflected in the password creation and management
practices that they apply.
Method: A Web-based survey was designed to (1) determine online consumers’ perceptions
of their skills and competence in respect of computer password security and (2) determine the
practices that South African online consumers apply when creating and managing passwords.
The measures applied were then compared to (1) the users’ perceptions about their computer
password security abilities and (2) the results of international studies to determine agreement
and inconsistencies.
Results: South African online consumers regard themselves as proficient password users.
However, various instances of unsafe passwords practices were identified. The results of this
South African study correspond with the results of various international studies confirming
that challenges to ensure safe online transacting are in line with international challenges.
Conclusion: There is a disparity between South African online consumers’ perceived ability
regarding computer password security and the password creation and management practices
that they apply.
Description
CITATION: Butler, R. & Butler, M. 2015. The password practices applied by South African online consumers : perception versus reality. South African Journal of Information Management, 17(1), Art.#638, doi:10.4102/sajim.v17i1.638.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajim.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajim.co.za
Keywords
Computer security, Computer users -- South Africa, Computers -- Access control -- Passwords
Citation
Butler, R. & Butler, M. 2015. The password practices applied by South African online consumers : perception versus reality. South African Journal of Information Management, 17(1), Art.#638, doi:10.4102/sajim.v17i1.638.