Security and Privacy Concerns for IoTAdoption : A User Perspective

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most rapidly evolving technologies aroundthe globe that has changed the way people live due to the benefits that comes with itsadoption. However, they have been associated with privacy and security risks. Witha focus on technical mechanisms and a lack of attention to consumer concerns over along time, it is unsurprising that manufacturers lack an understanding of consumersecurity and privacy concerns. While there has been significant empirical researchwarranting consumer concerns, their perceptions remain afoot.The purpose of this study is to understand the consumer privacy and securityperceptions associated with adoption of IoT devices within a smart home. Without an understanding of the consumer perceptions on privacy and security issues, manu-facturers may not address these issues which may hinder the adoption of IoT. While a significant number of studies have shown the privacy and security issues surrounding IoT devices, they have only extended to technical issues, mostly from the manufac-turer’s perspective. Since security is a complex issue involving several stakeholders, these studies cannot be applied from a consumer perspective.In this study we adopt an interpretive philosophical orientation and a qualitativeapproach. In depth interviews are used to collect data from smart homeowners,investigating their perceptions of smart home privacy issues. We have identified threesignificant recurring themes that need to be addressed: ethical and regulatory issues,information control and ownership, and technology design issues