Every day we are bombarded with security warnings that all look more-or-less the same. Over time, we tend to tune out these warnings through a process called habituation. In this episode of Cyber Ways, we discuss this problem and how to address it with Dr. Anthony (Tony) Vance of Virginia Tech.

Dr. Vance and his colleagues have conducted fascinating research using sophisticated technologies including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eye tracking to gain an understanding of the extent of the habituation to warnings problem. They also demonstrate how changing the look of warnings can reduce habituation. Their research shows strong results, and has clear implications for security professionals.

Citation: Vance, A., Jenkins, J. L., Anderson, B. B., Bjornn, D. K., & Kirwan, C. B. (2018). Tuning out security warnings: A longitudinal examination of habituation through fMRI, eye tracking, and field experiments. MIS Quarterly, 42(2), 355-380.

Cyber Ways is a production of the Louisiana Tech University's Center for Information Assurance, which is housed in of the College of Business, Department of Computer Information Systems. Cyber Ways is funded by the College's Just Business grant program.

For more information contact Craig Van Slyke (vanslyke@latech.edu).

Intro audio for the Cyber Ways Podcast

Outro audio for Cyber Ways Podcast

Cyber Ways is brought to you by the Center for Information Assurance, which is housed in the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University. The podcast is made possible through a "Just Business Grant," which is funded by the University's generous donors.

https://business.latech.edu/cyberways/