Understanding security risks and users perception towards adopting wearable Internet of Medical Things

  • Sanjit J. Thapa

Western Sydney University thesis: Master's thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines users' perception of trust within the context of security and privacy of Wearable Internet of Medical Things (WIoMT). WIoMT is a collective term for all medical devices connected to internet to facilitate collection and sharing of health-related data such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level and more. Common wearable devices include smart watches and fitness bands. WIoMT, a phenomenon due to Internet of Things (IoT) has become prevalent in managing the day-to-day activities and health of individuals. This increased growth and adoption poses severe security and privacy concerns. Similar to IoT, there is a need to analyse WIoMT security risks as they are used by individuals and organisations on regular basis, risking personal and confidential information. Additionally, for better implementation, performance, adoption, and secured wearable medical devices, it is crucial to observe users' perception. Users' perspectives towards trust are critical for adopting WIoMT. This research aimed to understand users' perception of trust in the adoption of WIoMT, while also exploring the security risks associated with adopting wearable IoMT. Employing a quantitative method approach, 189 participants from Western Sydney University completed an online survey. The results of the study and research model indicated more than half of the variance (R2 = 0.553) in the Intention to Use WIoMT devices, which was determined by the significant predictors (95% Confidence Interval; p < 0.05), Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Security and Privacy. Among these two, the domain Perceived Security and Privacy was found to have significant outcomes. Hence, this study reinforced that a WIoMT user intends to use the device only if he/she trusts the device; trust here has been defined in terms of its usefulness, easy to use and security and privacy features. This finding will be a steppingstone for equipment vendors and manufacturers to have a good grasp on the health industry, since the proper utilisation of WIoMT devices results in the effective and efficient management of health and wellbeing of users. The expected outcome from this research also aims to identify how users' security and perception matters while adopting WIoMT, which in future can benefit security professionals to examine trust factors when implementing new and advanced WIoMT devices. Moreover, the expected result will help consumers as well as different healthcare industry to create a device which can be easily adopted and used securely by consumers.
Date of Award2021
Original languageEnglish

Keywords

  • medical informatics
  • wearable technology
  • medical records
  • access control
  • computer security

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