WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As
billions of products connect to the Internet each year, Americans
are increasingly concerned about security and privacy, including
the prospect that a hacking of their own device could expose
family, friends and colleagues to risk, a new research survey
released today by the Security Innovation Center reveals.
Almost two-in-three American consumers said that the explosive
growth of Internet-connected products makes them more concerned
about their privacy and security, the survey of 1,015 Americans
found. And only 1 in 3 Americans expressed confidence that people
they know would not be affected if one of their devices was hacked.
These concerns have placed a focus on security when getting
Internet-enabled products fixed: 84 percent value the
security of their data over convenience/speed of service.
"From smartphones in our hands to fire alarms in our homes to
pacemakers in our bodies to sensors on roads and in cars, we are
connected to each other like never before," said Josh Zecher, executive director of the Security
Innovation Center. "This interconnectivity will enable
opportunities to solve society's most vexing problems. However, it
also brings challenges that can only be overcome by ensuring that
privacy and security are the foundational elements of all
technology-related policies."
With nearly 30 percent of American consumers owning six or more
products that connect to the Internet daily (smartphones, computer
tables, smart TVs, thermostats, home appliances, home assistant,
security systems, etc.) and 60 percent expecting to buy more over
the next five years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has arrived.
Perhaps that is why many Americans report that a hack would do more
damage than a burglary to their house.
More than 700 million IoT products have been deployed in the U.S
and Americans have high expectations for how they get repaired.
More than 80 percent expect repair professionals to both provide
a warranty for their repairs and demonstrate that they are trained
or certified to fix their specific product. Further, 75 percent
value warranty protections over convenience and 70 percent feel
most comfortable having their products fixed by a manufacturer or
authorized repair shop. Yet, only 18 percent can determine if an
electronics repair shop is protecting their security and
privacy.
As we can connect to billions of products, they can connect to
us. One compromised product not only affects the owner of the
product, but anyone whose information may be on it. And as we
connect more "things" those risks could increase exponentially from
loss of data to loss of life.
Additional results of the Security Innovation Center survey
include:
- 59 percent fear that one of their Internet-connected products
could be used by a hacker as part of a cyber attack.
- 79 percent hold themselves or a software/app provider most
responsible if their devices are hacked.
- Nearly 50 percent have information on their Internet-connected
devices that would be harmful to friends, family or business
associates.
- 73 percent believe they have a personal responsibility to keep
data of friends, family members and business associates from
hackers.
- Only 35 percent would purchase a used Internet-connected
product with concerns about security and privacy as the number one
reason for not buying a used Internet-connected product.
About the Survey
The interactive survey of 1,015 U.S.
consumers was conducted by Zogby Analytics from Jan. 23-25 and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1
percentage points.
About the Security Innovation Center
The Security
Innovation Center (www.securityinnovationcenter.com) is dedicated
to fostering a policy environment that enhances consumer security
and privacy protections in today's connected world.
CONTACT: Charlie Schoenthaler,
202-888-1963, charlie@vrge.us
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SOURCE Security Innovation Center