User Authentication Security Assessment in Mobile Banking Applications: A Survey with Usability Design Approach in Dodoma, Tanzania

William George Malugu, Shuubi Alphonce Mutajwaa & Matendo Didas
Center of Information and Communication Technology
St. John’s University of Tanzania
Email: mdidas@sjut.ac.tz

Abstract: Usability is a key factor in the quality of the product, which includes ease of use, user satisfaction, and the ability of the user to understand the product without practice quickly. As smartphone usage increases, most organizations have shifted their services to mobile applications, such as mobile banking. However, it is crucial to evaluate the security of user authentication and determine how, in a heuristic, user-friendly setting, security features in mobile banking applications can affect different parts of the industry. Using a usability design approach, this study investigated user authentication in mobile banking applications in Dodoma, Tanzania. The study used a mixed research approach to collect data from respondents who utilize mobile banking applications in their daily aspects. The primary three themes of the study were: i) present usability problems and security flaws found in mobile banking applications; ii) user-initiated research on usability difficulties; and iii) recommendations for enhancing security without sacrificing user enjoyment. The study’s practical significance is rooted in its ability to improve mobile banking security by integrating user-friendly authentication design guidelines. The implication of this study is summarized in the form of parties to be affected by the study findings that is to say, researcher and practical applications, improved security practices in mobile banking applications, enhanced user experience, and awareness about usability issues while utilizing mobile banking applications in any transaction and interaction.