IoT Privacy Is a ‘Major Concern’ for Consumers
The Internet of Things Consortium (IoTC) recently found that the number of IoT consumer purchases is likely to increase over the next few years. However, most consumers are concerned about IoT privacy as well.
A new study from IoTC members August Smart Lock, GK Digital Media, Greenwave Systems and NXP Semiconductors revealed nearly 65 percent of American consumers said they are moderately or extremely interested in adopting an IoT solution, but 66 percent said they have privacy concerns.
“Data security and identity protection are clearly top-of-mind for consumers looking at IoT products and services,” Jack Ogawa, NXP Semiconductors’ senior director of marketing, said in a prepared statement. “The developing IoT industry has an opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art software and semiconductor technology to set the standard for secure connections, both in the cloud and in the connected IoT products themselves.”
Study researchers also found that 44 percent of consumers are actively seeking ways to enhance their digital lifestyle by employing smart devices to help them become more efficient and save money, but 51 percent said they are concerned that the total cost of ownership of these devices will outweigh their benefits.
“Consumers don’t really care how they manage their smart devices, but they want a frictionless experience – ideally with a solution that someone else installs for free – that saves them money and improves their quality of life over the long-term,” Greenwave Systems Chief Marketing Officer Nate Williams added.
IoTC members commissioned International Data Corporation (IDC) to survey 1,005 U.S. consumers about their attitudes toward IoT product purchases for the study.
How will the IoT affect MSPs and their customers?
The IoT has become “a powerful force” that could help both managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers in 2015, according to Gartner.
This technology research firm recently predicted 4.9 billion connected things will be in use this year, up 30 percent from 2014.
And as the demand for IoT devices increases, many MSPs could help businesses leverage new technologies too.
“The number of connected intelligent devices will continue to grow exponentially, giving ‘smart things’ the ability to sense, interpret, communicate and negotiate, and effectively have a digital ‘voice,'” Gartner Vice President Steve Prentice said in a prepared statement. “Chief information officers (CIOs) must look for opportunities to create new services, usage scenarios and business models based on this growth.”
Share your thoughts about this story in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at dan.kobialka@penton.com.
