• by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, February 27, 2017

Homes are getting connected through a host of smart devices but that doesn’t mean they’re secure.

Even worse, most consumers are concerned about the security of data from their connected devices but are unsure of what to do about it, based on a new global study.

The biggest concern consumers have related to personal financial information being stolen, according to the study.

The study comprised a survey of 13,000 adults who use Internet-connected devices on a daily basis conducted by OnePoll for Intel Security. Consumers were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.

Consumers have various concerns, ranging from the theft of personal information to someone compromising connected devices. Here are the concerns consumers have relating to their digital devices:

• 44% -- That someone is compromising my devices to steal financial information
• 37% -- That someone is compromising devices to steal identity
• 32% -- That someone is compromising my devices to watch/listen to me
• 19% -- That someone is compromising my devices to watch/listen to my family

The challenge is knowing how to check if a smart or connected object in the home has been compromised. The majority (72%) of consumers either have no idea or are not sure how to check if their devices have been compromised.

The good news is that most (62%) consumers know to change the password for their Internet gateway/router, although 21% have never changed it.

The most significant perceived risk by most (55%) consumers is that someone gains access to their personal data, putting them at risk of identity theft. Interestingly, 18% have no concerns.

The issue of security of Internet-connected devices is perhaps the most significant issue facing the long-term growth of the Internet of Things.