Problem

Problem Overview: The Disconnect Between Convenience and Cybersecurity

In today’s digital world, people prioritize convenience over security, often treating cybersecurity as an afterthought. Many are unaware of the risks of their data or how it’s being used. As more critical information is stored online, the challenge is educating users about cybersecurity in a way that feels relevant to their daily lives. Without understanding the risks of their technology dependence, many unknowingly expose themselves to threats.

THE NUMBERS

88% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. (Stanford)
The average time to identify a breach is 194 days. (IBM)
64% of Americans have never checked to see if they were affected by a data breach. (Varonis)
56% of Americans don’t know what steps to take in the event of a data breach. (Varonis)
42% of companies experience cyber fatigue, meaning employees or users become apathetic towards defending against cyberattacks, making it harder to adopt proactive cybersecurity practices. (Cisco)

Building empathy

To build empathy, we went directly to the source—people. We conducted interviews about cyber hygiene practices with a diverse group of individuals, including family members, students, and faculty. By gathering feedback from people of different ages and educational backgrounds, we were able to identify the root of the problem: many users struggle with adopting simple, proactive cybersecurity practices. These challenges often stem from a lack of understanding or awareness about the importance of securing their digital lives.

The Goal: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Action

We didn’t just collect data; we took the time to understand the emotional concerns and experiences of the people we spoke with. Many shared stories of cyber incidents, such as compromised accounts or phishing attacks, which could have been prevented with basic security practices. By relating to these experiences and empathizing with the people, we designed PufferShield, a fun and engaging way to address these concerns. Through our simple, interactive approach, we aim to break down the emotional barriers to cybersecurity, helping users adopt safe online habits effortlessly and effectively.

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