Security and Privacy Concerns in the Adoption of IoT Smart Homes: A User-Centric Analysis

Abstract

The advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has ushered in a new era of smart homes, promising convenience and automation. However, alongside these advancements, concerns regarding the security and privacy of Internet of Things smart homes have garnered significant attention. The study embarked on a user-centric analysis, delving into the intricacies of security and privacy concerns in the adoption of Internet of Things smart homes. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the security and privacy concerns that users harbour when adopting Internet of Things smart home technologies. We used SMART-PLS version (4.0.9.6) as the data analysis tool, to examine the concerns and to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on adoption. The analysis was, rooted in quantitative research design and based on data gathered through an online questionnaire distributed to the target population of 325 participants. The research response rate was 92%. The hypotheses examined unveiled statistically significant relationships, culminating in results indicating an R<sup>2</sup> of 0.762. This implies that approximately 76.2% of the rationale behind individuals' decisions to either adopt or refrain from using IoT smart home devices, with a focus on security and privacy considerations, can be elucidated by our proposed Structural Equation Model. his model served as a comprehensive lens through which we dissected the intricate interplay of variables shaping user attitudes and behaviors. The study sheds light on the critical concerns of security and privacy within the IoT smart home domain. By leveraging quantitative analysis and a well-crafted Structural Equation Model, we offer valuable insights into the factors influencing user adoption decisions. The research contributes to the broader discourse IoT technology adoption and serves as a foundation for future studies and policy considerations in the ever-evolving landscape of smart homes.