IoT cybersecurity: Most users take responsibility for protecting their gadgets

Woburn, MA – February 28, 2023 – A new Kaspersky survey exploring the use of smart home devices and attitudes toward their security revealed more than half of global consumers (56%) who own this equipment feel responsible for its cybersecurity. The number was higher in the U.S., where 64% said they take responsibility. Users aged 25-34 care most about the protection of smart devices in their home, with 54 percent securing the devices they own, according to the survey.

The global smart home industry shows rapid consumer growth, building expectations with market analysts, with some segments such as smart security systems and smart locks expected to more than double to $106.3 billion^[1] and $13.1 billion^[2] by 2030, respectively. The new Kaspersky report examines how increasing use of smart devices affects users’ attitude toward security and protection issues.

The willingness to accept responsibility for the protection of smart gadgets at home appears to be tied to users’ fears of being hacked.The survey shows the proportion of users concerned or very concerned, for example, about their internet-connected camera system being used to spy on them was 56 percent.

The biggest concerns were raised about security of home monitoring systems, internet-connected cameras and smart doors and locks, with about a third of users admitting to being very concerned about their security and protection. An additional 53 percent were either “concerned” or “somewhat concerned."

The list of worrisome gadgets includes internet-connected cameras for monitoring babies and pets and smart doors and locks, with 31 percent and 30 percent saying their security is a “very concerning issue” in their opinion.

Among the devices that cause users least trouble are smart cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaners connected to the internet, with 35 percent saying their security doesn’t concern them at all. The same went for climate control systems (32%) and smart lighting (34%).

“As smart device adoption rates grow, we see users are paying more attention to security considerations and are trying to ensure a painless experience as they build long-term relationships with their gadgets,” said Marina Titova, vice president, consumer product marketing at Kaspersky. “It looks like good digital habits are more inherent in millennials, which is a positive sign for cybersecurity. This also suggests that in future, we might see IoT device producers and internet service providers supporting their work by paying more attention to cybersecurity, possibly integrating cybersecurity features to their offering, to meet consumers’ expectations and provide them with a desired level of protection.”

The full report is available here.

To keep all smart devices, secure and protected, Kaspersky experts compiled the following tips:

·       Buying second-hand smart home devices is not a safe practice. Their firmware could have been modified by previous owners to give a remote attacker full control over users’ smart home ecosystems. 

·       It is also important not to forget to change the default password. Instead, use a strict and complex one and update it regularly. 

·       Maintain your network secure by keeping serial numbers, IP addresses and other sensitive information private. Don’t share users’ smart devices on social networks 

·       A reliable security solution would also be very helpful in securing and protecting the entire smart home ecosystem. 

·       Having decided on a particular app or device, be sure to stay in the loop about updates and the discovery of vulnerabilities. Install all updates released by the developers in a timely fashion. 

Kaspersky commissioned Arlington Research to undertake quantitative online research with 21,645 smart home device owners in 21 countries, from the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Russia, Turkey, France, Netherlands, Portugal, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Peru, South Africa, UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 240,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at usa.kaspersky.com.

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