A third or more of Britons are planning to gift an internet-connected device this Christmas, despite UK consumers already owning an average of four connected devices, suggests an IT security product company. Smartphones and tablets come top of the list, with 42 per cent planning to upgrade their friend’s and family’s gadgets to the latest models, says Intel Security.
The IT security firm also found the top two most popular gifts this year are the two most easily and frequently hacked, and typically hold the highest level of valuable data: smartphones / tablets and laptops. Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) saying they will do so without ensuring security software is installed.
Two-fifths (40 per cent) of UK consumers plan to make a quick buck from their old devices by selling on to new users. However, almost half (45 per cent) are unsure about how to wipe their old devices of personal information and only a third (34 per cent) of second-hand gadget buyers think to reset the device to factory settings. This means there’s a high chance that personal data will be passed on to new owners, running the risk of it falling into the wrong hands.
Intel Security also found that over two-thirds (68 per cent) of Brits believe it is very important for their online identity to be kept safe, yet more than half (52 per cent) are unsure whether their devices are secure.
Nick Viney, VP Consumer, Intel Security said: “An underlying issue is that consumers simply don’t know which products need protecting. A fifth of those we surveyed said this was the reason for them leaving connected devices unprotected. All connected devices, whether old or new need to be protected to ensure personal information is safe from prying eyes.”
About a seventh, 15 per cent of those surveyed said they were planning to buy connected devices for children this year. Despite devices such as tablets becoming a go-to toy and entertainment centre for children, only 13 per cent of Brits recognise the importance of securing children’s connected devices.
Although financial data breaches, for example, are not such a threat for children, they are increasingly becoming exposed to the dark side of the internet, such as cyber bullying. In combination with a lack of awareness around the need for security in children’s tech, Intel Security found that 60 per cent of children aged between five and 12 years are left unsupervised the whole time they are using the Internet.
Nick Viney added: “Teaching children best practices for safe online behaviour right from the start will be invaluable to them as they grow up. The responsibility lies with parents, teachers and technology experts to ensure children understand how to protect themselves from the potential risks online. With more kids than ever before connected to the internet, greater education about responsible internet use and watertight security are vital to keeping children safe.”
