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McAfee survey — 20 per cent of consumers would buy a connected device vulnerable to hacking

According to the survey, 18 per cent of consumers think it is unnecessary to use security software to protect their devices. 

While 69 per cent of consumers agree that security is a necessity for laptops, tablets and smartphones, only 22 per cent believe connected devices require security, 29 per cent believe drones should be protected and 56 per cent think that digital assistants need to be secured.

Moreover, 91 per cent of consumers claim they know it is important to keep their online identity and devices safe, but only 53 per cent take the necessary steps to implement protection.

Sixteen per cent of consumers assume the manufacturer has built security into the product, and another 22 per cent know they need to put security precautions in place but don’t know how. McAfee says this highlights the importance of consumers conducting research about a device’s built-in security settings, rather than solely relying on manufacturers to appropriately lock down devices and data.

“In many cases, consumers are simply unaware that their devices need to be protected or how to protect them. This lack of awareness and action can be exploited by cybercriminals to break into devices and steal personal information,” said Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist, McAfee.  

Additionally, McAfee has announced its third annual Most Hackable Holiday Gifts list to help consumers identify potential security risks associated with popular gifts this holiday season. Laptops, tablets and smartphones lead the list, followed by drones, digital assistants, connected toys and connected appliances.