Exploring the Usability, Security, and Privacy of Smart Locks from the Perspective of the End User

Smart home devices have recently become a sought-after commodity among homeowners worldwide. Among these, smart locks have experienced a marked surge in market share, largely due to their role as a primary safeguard for homes and personal possessions. Various studies have delved into users' apprehensions regarding the usability, security, and privacy aspects of smart homes. However, research specifically addressing these facets concerning smart locks has been limited. To bridge this research gap, we undertook a semi-structured interview study with 29 participants, each of whom had been using smart locks for a minimum period of two months. Our aim was to uncover insights regarding any possible usability, security, or privacy concerns related to smart locks, drawing from their firsthand experiences. Our findings were multifaceted, shedding light on mitigation strategies employed by users to tackle their security and privacy concerns. Moreover, we investigated the lack of concern exhibited by some participants regarding certain security or privacy risks associated with the use of smart locks, and delved into the reasons underpinning such indifference. In addition, we explored the apparent unconcern displayed by some participants towards specific security or privacy risks linked with the use of smart locks.