Parks Associates

Privacy and Data Security Concerns Expand among IoT Consumers

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Oct 24, 2016) - Parks Associates and Ayla Networks will host an upcoming webcast "Best Practices for IoT Security and Privacy," Tuesday, October 25, at 1 p.m. CT (11 a.m. PT), to discuss the growing need for privacy solutions in IoT and smart home products. The IoT research firm finds almost 50% of U.S. broadband households rank privacy as their greatest concern when connecting devices to the Internet.

"Near the end of 2015, 40% of U.S. broadband households reported having a recent privacy or security problem with a connected device, primarily a virus, spyware, or a company tracking them," said Brad Russell, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "In 2016, nearly 60% of U.S. broadband households are bothered when their online viewing history is used for advertising, and nearly 40% of U.S. broadband households worry about the safety and usage of their personal data through an online video service. These experiences with products and online services lead consumers to calculate risks versus rewards, based on the sensitivity of data, when deciding on future purchases."

The IoT research firm notes that the smart home and IoT industries will need to work together to tackle privacy issues, and offer transparent explanations of the steps they take to ensure security of consumer data, in order to ensure continued growth. The webcast examines best practices in IoT data security and privacy and how companies are addressing these challenges to create and secure value for their customers. Participating speakers:

• Alicia Gray, Data Protection Officer & Director Global Connected Services, Salus
• Craig Payne, Security & Privacy Officer, Ayla Networks, Inc.
• Brad Russell, Research Analyst, Parks Associates

"Maintaining data security and data privacy in IoT solutions is as difficult as it is necessary," said Craig Payne, Security and Privacy Officer at Ayla Networks. "Delivering IoT security and privacy is not a one-time event. Rather, it's an ongoing effort that requires up-to-date understanding of the interplay among IoT technologies, constantly updated regulations, and the evolution of how IoT data is generated, shared, and used. The most effective approaches begin with a proven, comprehensive IoT platform that provides end-to-end, integrated security."