Determining Key Factors that Lead to the Adoption of Password Managers

Passwords form part of our daily routine and even though there are alternative authentication mechanisms, such as biometrics, passwords stubbornly persist. Passwords have been around for the last few decades, but also the various problems associated with users trying to create passwords that are strong and secure. Users are faced with a cognitive burden in managing passwords which often leads to poor password practices or users recycling passwords across various accounts. While there is no anticipated end to the use of passwords, scholars have identified that passwords need to be better supported - one such method is using a password manager. There is a wealth of technical research relating to password managers, which has led to drastic improvements and the maturing of the technology. However, there is a little research on why people would choose to adopt password managers. To explore these factors, this research uses an adapted version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) that includes trust as an additional construct. Using empirical data, the results of the study show that performance expectancy, habit, and trust are key factors in the intention to adopt a password manager.