New McAfee Survey Reveals Only 45 Percent of Consumers Take Proper Security Measures to Protect Their New Gadgets

Singapore, November 21,
2016 –
Today Intel Security announced its second-annual McAfee Most Hackable Holiday
Gifts list to identify potential security risks associated with hot-ticket
items this holiday season. The No. 1 most hackable gift category included
laptops and PCs, followed by smartphones and tablets, media players and
streaming sticks, smart home automation and devices, and finally, drones. To
accompany the list, Intel Security conducted a survey to identify the risky
behaviors consumers are engaging in during the holiday season and educate them
on how to protect themselves.

“Unsurprisingly, connected devices remain high on
holiday wish lists this year. What is alarming is that consumers remain unaware
of what behaviors pose a security risk when it comes to new devices,” said Gary
Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at Intel Security. “Consumers are
often eager to use their new gadget as soon as they get it and forgo ensuring that
their device is properly secured. Cybercriminals could use this lack of attention
as an inroad to gather personal consumer data, exposing consumers to malware or
identity theft or even use unsecured devices to launch DDoS attacks as in the
recent Dyn attack.”

While a majority of consumers are aware of the
vulnerabilities in older connected devices like laptops (73 percent), mobile
phones (70 percent) and tablets (69 percent), they lack awareness about the
potential risks associated with emerging connected devices, such as drones (20
percent), children’s toys (21 percent), virtual reality tech (18 percent), and
pet gifts (11 percent). As technology continues to evolve, it is essential
consumers  understand the risks
associated with even the most unassuming devices. While 75 percent of consumers
believe it’s very important to secure their online identities and connected
devices, nearly half are uncertain if they are taking the proper security steps.

1. Laptops
and PCs – Laptops and PCs make great gifts, however, malicious
apps targeting PCs are unfortunately common, and  are not just limited to Windows-based
devices.

2. Smartphones
and Tablets – Survey results revealed that 64% of consumers
plan to purchase either a smartphone or tablet this holiday season. Just like PCs
and laptops, malware could result in personal and financial information being
stolen.

3. Media
Players and Streaming Sticks – Media players and streaming
sticks have changed the way consumers enjoy movies and TV, but consumers can
unknowingly invite a cybercriminal into their living room by failing to update their
device.

4. Smart Home
Automation Devices and Apps – Today’s connected home devices
and apps give users the power to control their homes from their smartphone. Unfortunately,
hackers have demonstrated techniques that could be used to compromise Bluetooth
powered door locks and other home automation devices.

5. Drones
– Drone sales are expected
to grow to more than $20 billion by 2022.  They can provide unique perspectives when it
comes to shooting video and photos.  However,
not properly securing the device could allow hackers to disrupt the GPS signal,
or hijack your drone through its smartphone app.

To stay protected for a happier and safer holiday
season, Intel Security has the following tips:

In September 2016, Intel Security
commissioned OnePoll to conduct a survey of 9,800 consumers (aged 18-55+).
Respondents were individuals who use an internet-enabled device on a daily
basis in the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.