Published Paper Details:

This research explores the impact of Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on user trust among smartphone users, specifically addressing the tension between technical security and operational "friction." Using a quantitative design and a sample of 221 participants, the study analyzes how various authentication methods--including biometrics and SMS OTPs--influence digital confidence. The results indicate that trust is not a direct consequence of security depth but is instead contingent on seamlessness. While 70% of respondents favored biometrics for their low cognitive demand, 75% reported abandoning applications due to login complexity. Statistical analysis via ANOVA (p = 0.82) confirmed that security-related frustration is a universal experience, transcending demographic categories. The study concludes that technical robustness is insufficient on its own; to build long-term trust, developers must prioritize "human-centric" models like adaptive and invisible authentication that reduce user error and friction.