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Bringing Security Home – The Need for a Human-Centric Approach to Securing Smart Homes

The cover of the book "The Security of Self"

Figure: The cover of the book "The Security of Self"

Book Chapter Summary

In this chapter, the pressing issue of cybersecurity in smart home systems is discussed, with current approaches examined and substantial gaps identified. Attention is drawn to the emerging concept of human-centric cybersecurity as a solution to the shortcomings of traditional organizational approaches to securing smart environments. A deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between individuals and the technological ecosystems found within smart homes is advocated. This perspective is reflective of the concept of security of self that prioritizes the protection of individuals within personal digital ecosystems.

Through this lens, an exploration of existing technical solutions and state-of-the-art approaches to smart home cybersecurity and privacy is undertaken, providing a brief insight into the gaps between human-centric needs and the current cybersecurity landscape. The over-reliance on vendor-specific solutions is critiqued, highlighting the inconsistencies and diverse competencies among various vendors. This environment leaves non-expert consumers with complex choices to make and often results in poorly configured systems with increased vulnerabilities.

The discussion also encompasses the topic of user agency over data, emphasizing the need for a transparent system in which individuals can maintain substantial control and oversight over their information without requiring intricate configuration. The need for clear directives on data accessibility and the assurance of privacy without com- promising the security and functionality of smart home systems is affirmed. The conclusion calls for a collaborative approach involving tech companies, policy-makers, and users, advocating for a shared responsibility model rooted in human-centric principles. The imperative for ongoing education to empower users is underscored, as is fostering a proactive stance on cybersecurity that merges robust default security features with user-friendly functionality. Applying and expanding upon these recommendations will enable leveraging the advantages of smart technologies while still providing adequate cybersecurity that is attuned to the needs of smart home users.

Book Chapter Keywords

Cybersecurity, Smart Homes, Internet of Things (IoT), User Behavior, Human-centric Approach

Book Information

Book Title:

Publication date: November, 2025

Links

References

APA Bush, M., & Mashatan, A. (2025). CHAPTER 2 Bringing Security Home: The Need for a Human-Centric Approach to Securing Smart Homes. In E. B. Laidlaw & F. Martin-Bariteau (Eds.), The Security of Self: A Human-Centric Approach to Cybersecurity. Ottawa, Canada: University of Ottawa Press., 37–56. 
BibTeX @Inbook{Bush2025,
author={Bush, Matthew and Mashatan, Atefeh},
editor={Laidlaw, Emily B. and Martin-Bariteau, Florian},
title={Bringing Security Home – The Need for a Human-Centric Approach to Securing Smart Homes},
bookTitle={The Security of Self},
year={2025},
publisher={uOttawa},
pages={37--56},
isbn={9780776645612},
doi={10.2307/jj.37022854.8},
url={https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.37022854.8}
}
DOI https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.37022854.8
IEEE M. Bush and A. Mashatan, “Bringing Security Home – The Need for a Human-Centric Approach to Securing Smart Homes,”in The Security of Self, University of Ottawa Press, Canada, pp. 37–56, Nov. 2025. 
ISBN Print: 978-077-664-560-5
Online: 978-077-664-563-6