Consumers underestimate how often their networks are targeted by threat actors

Consumers connected devices targeted on average 104 times per home per month

Internet users in the United States underestimate how often their home networks are targeted by cyberthreats, according to the Xfinity Cyber Health Report, which combines data from a new consumer survey with actual threat data collected by the xFi Advanced Security platform. As part of the report’s findings, Comcast announced that since January, xFi Advanced Security has blocked nearly six billion cybersecurity threats – representing an average of about 104 cybersecurity threats per home per month – protecting Xfinity Internet consumers from malicious threats targeting their home networks and the devices connected to them

“The cyber threats facing even the most lightly connected homes have grown so numerous and so complex, that ordinary people can barely keep track, much less protect themselves,” said Noopur Davis, Chief Product and Information Security Officer, Comcast.

According to data from Xfinity, users have on average 12 devices per home and added two devices over the past year, while high-end users have as many as 33 devices and added five since last year. And, 61% of consumers plan to buy at least one connected device during the upcoming holiday shopping season. With the number of connected devices in the home increasing, cybersecurity protection has never been more important.

The Xfinity Cyber Health Report summarizes the threats blocked. Key report findings include:

Consumers Underestimate Attack Volume: 95% of survey respondents underestimated the volume of attacks they face each month. The average volume indicated by respondents was 12 attacks per month. In reality, xFi Advanced Security blocks nine times that amount or an average of 104 security threats per month per household.

Mix of Devices Most Targeted: The top five most vulnerable devices in connected homes are: 1) Computers & Laptops, 2) Smart Phones, 3) Networked Cameras, 4) Networked Storage Devices, 5) Streaming Video Devices.

Consumer Disconnect on Cybersafe Behavior: 96% of consumers surveyed were not familiar with how to answer six basic true/false cyberthreat questions. Further, a large majority (85%) of respondents indicated they are taking all the necessary security precautions needed to protect their home networks, and yet a clear majority (64%) admitted to behaviors like sharing passwords with friends and family that open themselves up to attack.

No Screen Means More Risk: What many people don’t realize is that connected devices can pose a security risk. Cyber criminals target them because many have little or no security protection and devices without screens can be more easily hacked without the consumer even knowing it. More than 4 in 5 consumers (83%) would not be 100% confident they’d know if one of their non-screen devices – such as a wireless printer or security camera – had been hacked.