Password Managers in a Home Computer Environment

Abstract: Passwords are one of the most used tools for authentication. Because of this, password managers have been developed to allow for increased protection and usability when managing passwords. However, the research of password managers in the context of usability coupled with diffusion of technology is unclear. Thus, the study’s purpose is to investigate how usability influences management of and the motivation to use PMs diffused among users. This is done by analysing data using the key concepts of usability and diffusion of technology via the theoretical models Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Diffusion of Innovation. The study is based on a survey with 120 respondents, where the focus has been to investigate the relationship between the key concept to gather descriptive statistical data using multiple choice questions. It is found that individuals preferred including numbers instead of capital letters or special symbols in their passwords. Furthermore, it is also concluded that home computer users value ease of use over protection in the usability-security trade off in password managers. Following these findings, the study suggests that the focus of password managers should lie on usability to gain recognition among users.