A recent survey of more than 1,000 consumers has illustrated the spread of the IoT among consumers, but it also points out some serious security concerns.
The survey by BullGuard, a provider of mobile and internet security, said that about a quarter of consumers are planning to buy IoT devices in the next 12 months. BullGuard found that 58 percent of consumers are ‘very concerned’ or ‘highly concerned’ about potential hacking and data theft carried out against their connected devices, and 37 percent have already experienced a security incident or privacy problem. According to the survey, 68 percent of respondents are concerned about security risks like viruses, malware and hackers and 65 percent expressed concern over data collected by device manufacturers being inappropriately used or stolen.
The IoT industry has yet to establish common security standards among devices. Smart device manufacturers tend to adopt their own approach to security while updates to ensure device security are often too technical and complex for consumers to carry out, even those who are technically literate. This study revealed that 24 percent of consumers with advanced technical skills are not confident in their ability to keep their connected devices secure.
IoT used for state spying
These vulnerabilities have been acknowledged by intelligence agencies across the world. In recent testimony to the US Senate, James Clapper, US Director of national intelligence, said, “In the future, intelligence services might use the [Internet of Things] for identification, surveillance, monitoring, location tracking…or to gain access to networks or user credentials.”
Paul Lipman, CEO, BullGuard said, “Most of us have been working with internet connected devices such as computers, smartphones and tablets for some time, but the Internet of Things is changing our perception of personal security, for both ourselves and our data. It’s not just those who consider themselves ‘technophobes’ that have these concerns – tech savvy users are saying the same.”
Education is essential
When asked how they would rate their computer skills, the majority of respondents described themselves as ‘intermediate or advanced’. More than 80 percent said they are capable of setting up their own router, yet when asked if they have changed their router password, almost half denied it. A third admitted that they don’t know how, and 60 percent do not know how to configure a router to keep a home network secure.
“Consumers are clearly not equipped to handle the myriad of security risks presented by connected devices,” said Lipman. “With devices such as security cameras, alarm systems and door locks now being connected to the internet, physical security is becoming as much of a consideration for consumers as data security. Keeping these devices secure is absolutely imperative.”
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
