UNO and Michigan State Researchers Find Cybersecurity Carries a Convenience Tax, Until Your Data Is Actually at Stake – University of Nebraska Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. — New research from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) reveals a critical gap in how people approach online safety: most users fail to recognize visual warning signs of risky websites and are more motivated by convenience than cybersecurity—at least until their personal information is actually at risk of being stolen.
The study, led by UNO criminologist Travis Carter, Ph.D., in collaboration with Michigan State University researcher Rachel McNealey, Ph.D., was recently published in the Journal of Experimental Criminology. The findings offer new insight into why individuals remain one of the most vulnerable points in cybersecurity systems.
The big picture:
Despite ongoing education and awareness efforts, users are not reliably identifying online threats—and often opt for ease of use over taking protective actions.
Inside the research:
The team conducted a conjoint survey experiment with a nationally representative sample of 1,006 U.S. adults. Participants were shown simulated utility websites with varying manipulated features such as shortened URLs, advertisements, font styles, privacy notices, and security indicators.
They were then asked to evaluate risk and decide whether or not to follow cybersecurity recommendations, such as enabling two-factor authentication.
Key findings:
“Our findings suggest that people are not always aware of what puts them at risk online,” Carter said. “If security measures are perceived as inconvenient, users may avoid them—even when the stakes are high.”
What’s next:
The research has practical implications for organizations, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals. Designing systems that minimize user effort—and clearly communicate the effectiveness of security measures—may improve adoption and reduce risk.
Read the study:
The full, open-access article is available via DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-025-09717-1
“Our findings suggest that people are not always aware of what puts them at risk online. If security measures are perceived as inconvenient, users may avoid them—even when the stakes are high.”
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