SAFER: Development and Evaluation of an IoT Device Risk Assessment Framework in a Multinational Organization

TL;DR

SAFER is a framework designed to help users in organizations better assess IoT device security risks, increasing awareness and influencing device choices through improved risk communication.

Contribution

This paper introduces SAFER, a novel IoT device risk assessment framework evaluated in a real organizational setting, enhancing user security awareness and decision-making.

Findings

SAFER increases user awareness of IoT security issues.

SAFER influences device selection behavior.

Effective risk communication impacts perceptions of device complexity.

Abstract

Users of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are often unaware of their security risks and cannot sufficiently factor security considerations into their device selection. This puts networks, infrastructure and users at risk. We developed and evaluated SAFER, an IoT device risk assessment framework designed to improve users' ability to assess the security of connected devices. We deployed SAFER in a large multinational organization that permits use of private devices. To evaluate the framework, we conducted a mixed-method study with 20 employees. Our findings suggest that SAFER increases users' awareness of security issues. It provides valuable advice and impacts device selection. Based on our findings, we discuss implications for the design of device risk assessment tools, with particular regard to the relationship between risk communication and user perceptions of device complexity.