Biometrisk Autentisering som ett extra säkerhetslager : En studie om svenska små och medelstora IT-företags inställning och möjligheter att implementera biometrisk autentisering för att säkra administratörskonton

Sammanfattning

Due to the increasing complexity and volume of cyberattacks, growing threat landscape and the limitations of traditional passwords and even some multifactor authentication (MFA) solutions, administrator accounts have received particular attention, as they represent high-value targets because of the extensive access they provide within IT environments. This study explores how Swedish small and medium-sized IT enterprises (SMITEs) perceive the potential of biometric authentication as an added layer of security for administrator accounts, identify the factors influencing these attitudes, and explore the perceived barriers and opportunities associated with implementation. Findings indicate that there is a strong awareness among SMITEs about the vulnerability of administrator accounts and the growing importance of layered security solutions. Biometric authentication combined with MFA is generally perceived positively, as long as it is implemented in a way that aligns with the specific organizational context. However, successful implementation depends on several factors such as user-friendliness, seamless integration with existing systems, and internal acceptance from administrators. Contrary to some expectations, financial cost was not a major obstacle; instead, resistance to change and system compatibility were more prominent concerns. These insights may guide future developments in authentication technologies and inform decision-making among cybersecurity stakeholders in SMITEs.