The Irreversible March of Technology

Steven Furnell, University of Plymouth

It is widely accepted that the continual advancement of technology delivers numerous benefits, with the increasing range of online opportunities being a clear example. At the same time, however, each new advance has the potential to introduce additional risk, with the consequence that users can quickly find themselves exposed if they do not maintain adequate safeguards and awareness.

This presentation will consider the challenges facing everyday end-users during their daily use of technology and online services.  Particular attention will be given to issues such as threat perceptions, especially in terms of the differences that can exist between generations. Focus will also be given to some of the difficulties that can be faced as a result of the cunning nature of the threats themselves, and due to the technologies that users are faced with in order to protect themselves.

Steven Furnell's biography