While a percentage of people around the globe feel that smart houses and connected appliances would become common place in the next five years, they are concerned about data breaches.
The results of a global survey spanning 11 countries held by networking security firm Fortinet released today contained this and other observations. The survey probed home owners about key issues pertaining to the Internet of Things (IoT). Independently administered throughout 11 countries, the survey titled, ‘Internet of Things: Connected Home,’ gives a global perspective about the IoT, what security and privacy issues are in play, and what home owners are willing to do to enable it.
Completed in June 2014, the survey asked 1,801 tech-savvy homeowners questions relating to the IoT as it pertained to the connected home.
Here are some of the top findings:
- The Connected Home is a reality – A majority (61 percent) of all respondents believe that the connected home (a home in which household appliances and home electronics are seamlessly connected to the Internet) is “extremely likely” to become a reality in the next five years. China led the world in this category with more than 84 percent affirming support.
- Homeowners are concerned about data breaches – A majority of all respondents voiced their concern that a connected appliance could result in a data breach or exposure of sensitive, personal information. Globally, 69 percent said that they were either “extremely concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about this issue.
- Privacy and trust are concerns – When asked about the privacy of collected data, a majority of global respondents stated, “privacy is important to me, and I do not trust how this type of data may be used.” India led the world with this response at 63 percent.
- Data privacy is an extremely sensitive issue – Relating to privacy, respondents were also asked how they would feel if a connected home device was secretly or anonymously collecting information about them and sharing it with others. Most (62 percent) answered “completely violated and extremely angry to the point where I would take action.” The strongest responses came from South Africa, Malaysia and the United States.
- Users demand control over who can access collected data – When asked who should have access to the data collected by a connected home appliance, 66 percent stated that only themselves or those to whom they give permission should have this information.
- Consumers look to their government for data regulation – Many respondents (42 percent) around the world stated that their government should regulate collected data, whereas 11 percent said that regulation should be enforced by an independent, non-government organization.
- Device manufacturers are mostly on the hook for security – If a vulnerability was discovered in a connected home device, 48 percent of all surveyed agreed that the device manufacturer is responsible for updating/patching their device. However, nearly 31 percent responded with “as a homeowner, it is my responsibility to make sure that the device is up to date.”
- The next looming battle: secure home routers versus clean pipes – A clear schism appears worldwide when homeowners were asked about how connected home devices should be secured. In nearly equal proportion were those who replied, “a home router should provide protection,” versus those who said, “my Internet provider should provide protection.”
- Homeowners are willing to pay for a connected home – When asked, “would you be willing to pay for a new wireless router optimized for connected home devices,” 40 percent responded with “definitely” and another 48 percent said “maybe.” In a follow-on question, 50 percent said they would pay more for their Internet service in order to “enable connected devices to function” in their home.
- Price is the primary factor – Although homeowners report a willingness to pay more to enable their connected home, when asked what factors impact their buying decisions of connected home devices, the number one answer that was consistent in all countries was price, followed by features/functionality and then manufacturer brand.
The survey was conducted by GMI, a division of Lightspeed Research, a leading provider of technology enabled solutions and online responses for global market research. Each respondent claimed to be a homeowner between the ages of 20-50, staying in the following countries: Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States.
Image Credit: Facebook/Fortinet
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