Security Awareness among Smart Speaker Users

Abstract

High-speed internet together with advanced manufacturing processes have brought about the “Internet of Things” - everyday equipment which have now become part of a larger ecosystem, communicating with one another via the internet, to provide a unique experience to the end user. `Smart' speakers, lighting systems and even fitness monitors coupled with smartphones offering fast processing and internet communication speeds, now allow individuals to virtually control all aspects of their personal and official lives, at the convenience of their fingertips. However, as with all technological innovations, the Internet of Things too is vulnerable to security breaches. These devices have access to vast amounts of data, some of which may be unknown to the end users themselves. Recent findings have shown that Smart Speakers could be `listening' to user conversations even when they are disabled. A confidentiality breach of user conversations could not only affect an individual's personal life, but also jeopardise their work lives, extending up to even compromises in national security. This study focuses on the level of information security awareness amongst users of Smart Speakers. Smart Speakers have been increasing in use over the past several years, aided by the simplicity of configuration and the wide range of possibilities. This research also attempts to identify if users exercise the same level of security and caution given to internet banking accounts, with their Smart Speaker.