Security and Usability: Designing Secure Systems That People Can Use

33.2. Usability Guidelines

By looking at the KaZaA network, we surmised that abuses are occurring, and their frequency demonstrates that they are not isolated events.

Based on a list of security guidelines provided by Whitten and Tygar,[6] we created a modified list of usability guidelines adapted for peer-to-peer file sharing applications that take into account the unique demands of continuously connected systems that distribute personal files.

[6] Whitten and Tygar.

USABILITY GUIDELINES FOR P2P FILE SHARING

Definition: Peer-to-peer file sharing software is safe and usable if users:

  • Are clearly made aware of what files are being offered for others to download

  • Are able to determine how to share and stop sharing files successfully

  • Do not make dangerous errors that can lead to unintentionally sharing private files

  • Are comfortable with what is being shared with others and confident that the system is handling this correctly

We then conducted a cognitive walkthrough and user study, paying close attention to whether the interface was able to meet these guidelines and, if not, why users were confused.

Related

Категории