Usage of an AI-Based Password Tool: Impacts of Security Fatigue, Age, and Individual Differences

Effective usage of AI-powered cybersecurity tools may be reduced by users’ tendencies to minimize effort, especially when they are fatigued. The current study identified multiple factors impacting user interaction with DeepPasswd, a tool utilizing deep learning to enhance password strength. Data were obtained from a demanding but monotonous simulated work task requiring regular password updating. Younger users were less likely than older ones to use the tool. Individual differences in anxiety, trust and fatigue were associated with frequency of password tweaks while using the tool, taken as index of engagement. Data on work task performance suggested users vary in their willingness to apply effort. Mitigation of tool neglect and security fatigue requires greater understanding of how users tradeoff effort against enhanced security.