Smart Home Device Loss of Support: Consumer Perspectives and Preferences

Published

July 23, 2023

Author(s)

Julie Haney, Susanne M. Furman

Abstract

Unsupported smart home devices can pose serious safety and security issues for consumers. However, unpatched and vulnerable devices may remain connected because consumers may not be alerted that their devices are no longer supported or do not understand the implications of using unsupported devices. To investigate the consumer perspective on loss of manufacturer support, we conducted a survey of 412 smart home users. We discovered differences based on device category and provide insights into how user perspectives may relate to perceptions of smart home update importance, security, and privacy. Based on the results, we offer suggestions to guide the efforts of the smart home community to protect consumers from potentially harmful consequences of unsupported devices.

Proceedings Title

5th International Conference on HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust of the 25th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

Conference Dates

July 23-28, 2023

Conference Location

Copenhagen, DK

Conference Title

5th International Conference on HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

cybersecurity, internet of things, smart homes, support, usability

Citation

Haney, J. and Furman, S. (2023), Smart Home Device Loss of Support: Consumer Perspectives and Preferences, 5th International Conference on HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust of the 25th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction , Copenhagen, DK, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=936232 (Accessed October 13, 2025)