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Description
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) leakage from home environments poses significant identity theft risks. While enterprise networks employ robust security measures, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, these protections rarely extend to home settings, creating a critical security gap. Current firewall technologies lack the capability to detect and scrub PII from outbound traffic, leaving vulnerable populations such as children, elderly users, and remote workers exposed. This design science research proposes Secure-Home, a prototype outbound inspection tool that detects and redacts clear-text PII before data leaves home networks. Using rule-based detection and selective redaction, Secure-Home provides a practical last line of defense tailored to domestic environments. Our research addresses two key questions: (1) Can outbound home network traffic be effectively monitored to detect PII leakage? Can real-time PII scrubbing reduce identity theft risks without disrupting household usability? The significance of this research is threefold. First, it addresses a critical vulnerability in an increasingly connected home environment where smart devices expand the attack surface. Second, it protects overlooked populations (children, elderly users, and families) who lack enterprise-grade security. Third, it contributes empirical evidence and a novel framework for home network security protocols. This project will deliver measurable reductions in PII leakage, provide peace of mind for families, and establish empirical data on tool effectiveness to guide future security protocols for non-enterprise settings. By bridging the gap between enterprise security and home protection, Secure-Home offers an innovative approach to safeguarding personal data where vulnerability is highest.
Publication Date
2026
Recommended Citation
Niroomand, Hajar and El-Gayar, Omar F., "Secure-Home: Detect and Redact PII" (2026). Annual Research Symposium. 69.
https://scholar.dsu.edu/research-symposium/69