Key factors driving the adoption of behavioral biometrics and continuous authentication technology: an empirical research

Abstract

Purpose: For the success of future investments in the implementation of continuous authentication systems, we should explore the key factors that influence technology adoption. The authors investigate the effect of various factors of behavioral intention through the new incorporation of a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) and diffusion of innovation theory (DOI). Also, the authors have created a new theoretical framework with constructs such as security and privacy risks (SPR), biometrics privacy concerns (BPC) and perceived risk of using the technology (PROU). In this paper, the authors conducted a structural equation modeling empirical research. This research is designed in such a way to respond to the trade-off between users’ concern for the protection of their biometrics privacy and their protection from risks. Design/methodology/approach: The authors provide an extensive conceptual framework for both existing models (TAM and DOI) and the new constructs that the authors have added to the model. In addition, this research explores external factors, such as trust in technology (TT) and innovativeness (Innov). In addition, the authors have introduced significant constructs, to overcome the limitations of the TAM and to adapt it to the needs of the present research. The new theoretical framework the authors introduce in the present research concerns the constructs SPR, BPC and PROU. Findings: The authors found that the main facilitators of behavioral intention to adopt the technology (BI) are TT, followed by compatibility (COMP), perceived usefulness (PU) and Innov. This research also shows that individuals are less interested in the ease of use of the technology and are willing to sacrifice it to achieve greater security. COMP and Innov also play a significant role. Individuals who believe that the usage of the behavioral biometrics continuous authentication (BBCA) technology would fit into their lifestyle and would like to experiment with new technologies have a positive intention to adopt the BBCA technology. The new constructs the authors have added are SPR, BPC and PROU. The authors’ results support the hypotheses that SPR is a facilitator to PU and PU acts as a facilitator to BI. Consequently, the hypothesis that individuals do not feel adequately protected by classical methods will consider the usefulness of the BBCA as a technology for their extra protection against risks is confirmed by the model. Also, with the constructs BPC and PROU, the authors examined if individuals’ concerns regarding their biometrics privacy act as inhibitors in the BI. The authors concluded that individuals consider that the benefits of using BBCA technology are much more important than the risks for their biometrics privacy since the hypothesis that the major inhibitor of BI is PROU is not supported by the model. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first in the field that examines the factors that influence the individuals’ decision to adopt BBCA technology.