보안 경고 노출 빈도에 따른 보안 스트레스와 사용자 행동의 상관관계 연구

A Study on the Correlation between Security Fatigue and User Behavior according to the Frequency of Exposure to Security Warnings

As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, users are now expected to engage in more complex and frequent security behaviors. While such practices are intended to reduce security risks, they can also impose a psychological burden on users. This study investigates the impact of security-related stress on actual user security behaviors—specifically, phishing link clicks, password reuse, and disregard for security warnings. A scenario-based survey was administered to 73 adult participants, simulating typical security demands such as complex password requirements, multi-factor authentication, and unexpected security prompts. Respondents reported their psychological responses and behavior tendencies under these conditions. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between perceived security stress and each type of behavior. The results showed that higher levels of security stress were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of password reuse and ignoring warning messages. The relationship between stress and phishing link clicks, however, was weaker and not statistically significant. These findings suggest that overly complex or frequent security requirements may lead to security fatigue, ultimately encouraging users to bypass or ignore protective measures. The study emphasizes the need for user-centered security policy design that balances protection with usability.