Security News > 2021 > July > Cybersecurity lags behind as IoT devices proliferate, according to a new report
About one-quarter of respondents do not incorporate any of the listed measures to protect these devices and many feel as though consumers are not responsible for smart and IoT device security.
On Wednesday, NordVPN released a report outlining the proliferation of smart devices and consumer sentiments regarding responsibility for protecting these devices.
In order, smart speakers a la Echo, "Fitness or wellbeing devices" such as smartwatches and fitness trackers and security devices including door cameras and smart locks round up the top six smart or IoT devices respondents had at home.
While 89% of U.S. respondents said they use "Some kind of IoT device" at home, 17% said they take "No action to protect" these devices, according to NordVPN. On the same token, the vast majority of respondents are taking at least some measures to protect these devices.
The top security measures taken include adding "Antivirus or VPN to smartphone, laptop, and/or tablet on the same network as IoT devices", changing the default password for Wi-Fi routers and smart devices and adding a Wi-Fi router VPN, according to the report.
As we previously reported, smart homes could be ripe for a new type of cyberattack, based on the findings of a Georgia Tech study that illustrated the various ways utility companies and nation-states can use IoT devices en masse to manipulate energy markets.