Survey: Growing Consumer Security Concerns Drive Changing Purchase Patterns

  • Jan 06, 2011

Absolute Software recently announced survey findings that highlight top consumer security concerns and the impact that those issues have on the decision to purchase laptops, mobile devices and associated protection solutions. 

The survey asked respondents to rank their top security concerns, and found that 62 percent of consumers listed 'losing the data on their laptops' and 'identity theft' as their primary worries. Surprisingly, while most respondents identified device and data security as a key issue, survey results indicated a large percentage of consumers were still not taking the necessary precautions to protect both the device and data.

"While it's clear that the average consumer understands the importance of safeguarding their laptops and personal information, our data indicates a need for better consumer understanding of the need to protect both the device and data," said Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business for Absolute Software. "The public needs to understand the importance of utilizing a solution that allows them to remotely manage and secure their laptops in order to reduce the devastating damage resulting from the loss of personal data or hardware."

The survey also revealed that consumer security concerns are driving interest in more traditional enterprise security and device management solutions for their personal devices, including:

  • Geolocation (53 percent).
  • Remote file retrieval (50 percent).
  • Device freeze (50 percent).
  • Remote data delete (40 percent).
  • Mobile security applications (18 percent).

Hardware security concerns involve more than just laptops -- According to the survey, 57 percent of respondents reported owning more than seven technology gadgets per household, including laptops, cell phones and digital cameras. Consumers are expressing interest in products designed to aid in the management of these devices. Early adopters have pegged mobile device security offerings as a logical next step, with 18 percent of respondents indicating that they would be very interested in a mobile security application. 

Data loss more critical to consumers than hardware loss -- While the loss of a computer or other hardware device is a critical concern for consumers, the data they often contain has become invaluable. According to the survey, data loss (62 percent), identity theft (62 percent) and unauthorized access to files contained on a database (51 percent) are identified as higher security concerns than the loss of the computer itself (41 percent)

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.