Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is commonly suggested as a good mechanism to overcome inherent security problems with the use of passwords. However, research suggests that MFA has so far failed to attract enough interest from users. Additionally, older users seem to be even more reluctant to use MFA. In Sweden, users are more or less required to use MFA to use services such as online banking, book doctors appointments online, and complete tax reports online. As such, Sweden is an interesting case for studying MFA adoption. This paper reports on mixed-methods research investigating how Swedish users in different age groups compare with respect to the adoption of MFA. The results suggest that users of different age are willing to adopt MFA when it is required for services they want or need to use. However, younger users appear to be more prone to voluntarily adopt MFA.
First Online: 28 November 2024