UK consumers have security concerns with connected devices, including cars, according to a survey of 1,000 consumers across the US and UK. More than half of Britons now own at least one internet-connected device, with wearable fitness trackers (24pc), vehicles (18pc) and smartwatches (16pc) being the most common.
When asked to identify internet-connected devices which were most vulnerable to hacking, cars with integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth came second only to home security cameras and video-enabled doorbells. Some 60pc of respondents felt that connected cars posed security concerns. Integrity and malfunctions of connected car technology topped the list of apprehensions. Over 50pc expressed concerns around viruses or malware and almost 40pc claimed data security features would be the most important thing to consider when purchasing a connected vehicle. To combat these concerns, an overwhelming majority of respondents (92pc) felt the government should implement stricter data security regulations for connected cars, says Thales, the cybersecurity and defence product company.
John Grimm, senior directory security strategy, Thales eSecurity says: “As adoption of connected cars and development of autonomous, self-driving cars soars, there is a tremendous business opportunity for automakers. However, with more connectivity comes new pathways for cyberattacks and our research shows that 60pc of UK respondents are more concerned about the security of connected cars now versus five years ago. While we’re starting to see IoT and connected car regulatory frameworks in the UK, manufacturers across the world should proactively consider these consumer concerns as they get ready to bring these cars to our streets instead of waiting for laws and regulations to pass.”
As for potential breaches, 65pc of UK consumers believe devices like home security cameras and video doorbells are internet-connected technologies that are also extremely vulnerable. Those seen as least vulnerable are connected light bulbs, such as Philips Hue, with only 10pc of respondents viewing them as a threat. Other devices considered to be at risk of security issues include virtual personal assistants, such as Amazon Echo (54pc), smartwatches, such as the Apple watch (35pc), and medical monitoring devices, such as glucose meter remotes (23pc). Visit https://www.thalesesecurity.com.
About the survey
Wakefield Research did the survey among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18 and older in the United States and UK, between August 31 and September 7, using an email invitation and an online poll.
