Usability Testing for Secure Device Pairing in Home Networks

Setting up a secure communication channel between wireless devices is a crucial part of secure communications. Usually, it is done by non-expert user's with-out knowledge or interest in security aspects. In the home, users may range from children to the elderly, with varied skills and capabilities. Recently, several methods have been proposed for easy yet secure creation of a security association. However, if user is able to commit errors while accepting the association, the security may break down. With careful design of user interactions involved, it is possible to bring the error rate down significantly. These paper present results of a set of usability tests performed on device pairing between a PC and mobile phone assisted by home users.