Over the last decade, digitally advanced home environments have progressed into communication-rich living spaces. This progression has enabled a host of smart experiences for consumer – energy management, interactive home devices, connected appliances and real time security solutions among other experiences. However, this step forward has also allowed unprecedented access to a variety of service providers, thus, opening the home to potential vulnerabilities of cyberspace and increasing skepticism surrounding the advantages of "connectedness". 

\Despite reservations surrounding connectedness, there is no doubting the emerging and fast growing market of connected homes as it expands to include connected living, combining connected home, workspace and city. Ongoing discussions on industry issues among the members of the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA), through its Connected Home Council (CHC) emphasize the need for security against potential connected home threats. 

CABA and Frost & Sullivan are partnering on a connected home research project, specifically looking at the issue of cybersecurity in the context of connected homes, and the risks and susceptibilities associated with it. The analysis promises to create an understanding of the magnitude of cyber threats and how they can be managed and eliminated in addition to the challenges of adopting and implementing cybersecurity measures.

For more information on the research click here: http://bit.ly/1C9bMJf

"Connected homes are prime examples of innovative applications of technology that usher in new convenience for consumers," stated CABA President & CEO, Ronald J. Zimmer. "Industry however has acknowledged that associated with such convenience is risk. CABA is therefore pleased to commission a research project that will provide industry with insightful intelligence concerning the nature and acuity of these 'cybersecurity' risks."

In lieu of the benefits that connected homes may bring, risks acquired via cyber threats have the potential to compromise the industry as a whole. The current and potential magnitude of threats for connected homes could expose important data not only for home owners, but technology vendors and service providers as well. These are potential damages that consumers should be aware of, and create credible perceptions of cybersecurity through. 

"Although meant to enable connected experiences, allowing third parties open access to home networks exposes both the consumer as well as the service providers to the potential vulnerabilities of cyberspace. It is critical to understand that cyber threats require collective responsibility and accountability sharing from all stakeholders involved," noted Frost & Sullivan Principal Consultant for Energy & Environment Konkana Khaund. "Collaborative research projects like these, supported by industry participants, establishes the fact that cyber threats to the connected home are indeed being taken seriously by such participants."  

Click here for more information on CABA's related intelligent buildings and connected home research.