Aussies Ignoring IoT Risks: Norton

Australians are among the world’s highest adopters of mobile apps used to control connected devices – but many are overlooking the security risks, Norton by Symantec has warned.These are among the survey findings from more than
5000 consumers from Australia, the USA, UK, Canada and Japan, Norton says. The
survey sought to identify consumer fears associated with the “connected
world” and the proliferation of the Internet of Things.

It found 63 percent of Australian respondents use at least one mobile app to
manage their finances or control connected devices such as home entertainment
systems, fitness trackers, baby monitors, cars, home entry systems, light
switches and smart-home appliances.

It also found many Australians overlook security weaknesses that may be present
in managing IoT devices from mobile apps. For example, Norton says more than
one in four Australians (28 percent) say they would feel secure using a home
entry app that allows them to open the door remotely for friends and family,
while they are away from their home.