The team is investigating a device that would plug into a computer at work that would light up in different colours depending on the action of the user; for example, changing a password or updating anti-virus software.

They are also looking at how to ensure that people lock their computer screens when they leave their desk.

A number of possibilities are being considered including fitting a sensor to the person’s chair, with the device activated whenever they stand up.

It could also work through proximity sensors and cameras that detect the lock status of a computer screen.

Dr Emily Collins, research associate at the University of Bath’s School of Management, said: “Humans are the weak link in cyber security. We know that people feel overloaded with data breaches reported in the news and overwhelmed about what they should be doing to protect themselves.

“Many of us know we’re not on top of security, but translating that nagging worry into positive action just isn’t happening. It’s leaving us all open to serious security threats.”

The team is currently aiming to ascertain which of the alerts – light, sound or vibration – is most effective.

Dr Collins said: “Work-based training on cyber security is generally very conventional, often just delivered as a one-off when people join an organisation.

“There’s scope to learn from health psychology to pinpoint what motivates people to take action to protect their cyber security.

“Our project recognises that people can respond to a gentle, well-timed nudge and is investigating the most effective way of doing that.”

The project, with funding from the Home Office through the National Cyber Security Programme, uses Adafruit Circuit Playgrounds, a prototyping platform that allows for the construction of circuits without having to solder.

A working prototype with open-source code will be developed through the research and be available to businesses.

Dr Sarah Wiseman, lecturer in computer science at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “The Adafruit Circuit Playgrounds are a fantastic opportunity to do some rapid prototyping with participants.

“The inbuilt functionality on the boards means that you don’t need much experience with electronics to take a concept from idea to reality.”

Earlier this month, researchers demonstrated a new computer processor architecture that allows computers to proactively defend against cyber threats, rendering the current electronic security model of bugs and patches obsolete. 

The team is investigating a device that would plug into a computer at work that would light up in different colours depending on the action of the user; for example, changing a password or updating anti-virus software.

They are also looking at how to ensure that people lock their computer screens when they leave their desk.

A number of possibilities are being considered including fitting a sensor to the person’s chair, with the device activated whenever they stand up.

It could also work through proximity sensors and cameras that detect the lock status of a computer screen.

Dr Emily Collins, research associate at the University of Bath’s School of Management, said: “Humans are the weak link in cyber security. We know that people feel overloaded with data breaches reported in the news and overwhelmed about what they should be doing to protect themselves.

“Many of us know we’re not on top of security, but translating that nagging worry into positive action just isn’t happening. It’s leaving us all open to serious security threats.”

The team is currently aiming to ascertain which of the alerts – light, sound or vibration – is most effective.

Dr Collins said: “Work-based training on cyber security is generally very conventional, often just delivered as a one-off when people join an organisation.

“There’s scope to learn from health psychology to pinpoint what motivates people to take action to protect their cyber security.

“Our project recognises that people can respond to a gentle, well-timed nudge and is investigating the most effective way of doing that.”

The project, with funding from the Home Office through the National Cyber Security Programme, uses Adafruit Circuit Playgrounds, a prototyping platform that allows for the construction of circuits without having to solder.

A working prototype with open-source code will be developed through the research and be available to businesses.

Dr Sarah Wiseman, lecturer in computer science at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “The Adafruit Circuit Playgrounds are a fantastic opportunity to do some rapid prototyping with participants.

“The inbuilt functionality on the boards means that you don’t need much experience with electronics to take a concept from idea to reality.”

Earlier this month, researchers demonstrated a new computer processor architecture that allows computers to proactively defend against cyber threats, rendering the current electronic security model of bugs and patches obsolete.