Individual Differences and Perceived Password Security Management

Security systems and security education programs cannot be assumed to work equally well for all users, who may have different demographics, security knowledge, and dispositions. In this study, we investigated how perceived password security management (PPSM) is impacted by individual differences such as gender, age, education, security knowledge, and personality. We surveyed 102 participants about their PPSM in relation to their gender, age, security knowledge, and personality traits. We found that PPSM in younger individuals, those with less security knowledge, and those with certain personality traits such as neuroticism may contribute to increased security vulnerability.