Home user security- from thick security-oriented home users to thin security- oriented home users

In the technological world in which we live, access to the Internet is no longer a luxury. Rather, it is a necessity and a lifeline to many. The Internet is used, amongst other things for obtaining information, for doing business and for social networking. However, along with increases in cyber activity come increases in cyber threats, attacks and incidents. Many home users are not technology savvy and, therefore, do not understand these cyber threats or how to protect themselves (and their information) while connected to the Internet. It is therefore vital that home users be assisted to ensure that they are “cyber secure”. The paper proposes how a regulatory body, for example, an Internet Service Provider (ISP), can be involved to take over the majority of cyber security responsibilities for the home (end) user. This will transform a user from being a thick security-oriented user to being a thin security-oriented end user.