ATHENE Usable Security and Privacy Lab

Participation welcome: Launch of the ‘ATHENE Usable Security and Privacy Lab’ at h_da

At the beginning of October, the ‘ATHENE Usable Security and Privacy Lab’ (USP Lab) began its work at h_da. The lab is run by the User-Centered Security working group and supported by the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE. Researchers and students at h_da can use the lab for projects and studies on the usability of security and privacy related technologies. The focus lies on questions of how security and privacy technologies can be designed to support users in making informed decisions and effectively protect their personal data. This includes, for example, the comprehensible presentation of privacy policies or transparent cookie banners that openly explain which data are processed and in what form when using an application. Research into user behaviour is also of great interest, for example regarding trust in AI tools and the information users may reveal.

The USP Lab has comprehensive technical resources and offers methodological support to investigate such issues, for example through usability tests on PCs or mobile devices, user interviews, surveys, eye tracking and more. The laboratory is located in building D19, room 02.12, and can also be used for teaching purposes. Researchers who are not members of ATHENE can request to use the USP Lab at any time. The laboratory website also provides detailed explanations and instructions. If required, the team will be happy to assist you with individual methodological consultation. In addition, the website provides all the necessary information on booking the laboratory and the available equipment. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Spira (nicole.spira@h-da.de).