A Survey on Mobile User Perceptions of Sensitive Data and Authentication Methods

Abstract

The rapid evolution of mobile phone devices resulted in the conversion of a simple communication device to a complicated small portable computer offering a plethora of features and services. Sensitive data are now stored in devices that can be easily lost, stolen, or compromised. A mobile user survey was conducted to get a better understanding of what the users think about the data stored in their devices, the authentication methods they use, and their willingness to try a new one. This paper presents the results derived from 81 mobile users. The results reveal that the users still use text-based authentication methods, with the preferred method being the Pin-Code. The bio-metric authentication adopters have a better understanding of what sensitive data are and feel they are not fully protected. The analysis also revealed that the majority of users, regardless of their preferred authentication method are willing to try new authentication methods that promise to offer a higher level of security for their personal data. © 2020 ACM.