Register

I agree with the Privacy Policy

In The News

Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers

August 17, 2015

remote health monitoring

connected health devices

fitness tracker

According to research firm Parks Associates, the majority of those surveyed indicated that they are not willing to share data collected from wearable devices, even if it meant receiving a discount on their health insurance premiums. In spite of this reluctance, these same consumers were willing to share data for the purpose of troubleshooting the devices themselves.

The results of the survey varied significantly by device. Forty-two percent of digital pedometer owners were willing to share data in order to receive a health insurance discount; for smartwatch owners the total was 35 percent; and for sleep-quality monitor owners it was 26 percent. Nevertheless, a solid majority of device owners was not willing to share data.

Consumers are justified in their concerns about health data privacy. The Los Angeles Times told in July of a security breach in October 2014 where hackers compromised UCLA Health Systems’ computer network, putting 4.5 million patients’ sensitive data at risk. What was troubling about the incident was that it took nearly seven months from the time suspicious activity was discovered in October, to May 5, which is when investigators determined the system was hacked. Additionally troubling was that the data was not even encrypted.

From the article "Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers" by Christopher Mohr.

Previously In The News

3 Tips for Security Integrators to Assess Their Product Offerings in 2024

A report released by Parks Associates last year found that small, local security dealer businesses are struggling to keep up with national tech-first, online-first players with a presence in multiple...

Security Industry Forecast: Experts Chime in, Sharing Expectations for 2024 and Beyond

Elizabeth Parks, president and CMO at Parks Associates: Smart cameras and video doorbells are popular, showing an increase in adoption and high intentions for the next year…. Bundling these security d...

Hot Housing Innovations At CES Reimagine Smart Energy Use

The average U.S. household now has 17 connected devices and Parks Associates recognizes that more and more of in-home technology is going to energy management. Research group Parks Associates h...

How utilities can enhance efficiency through consumer rate programs

Too few customers are familiar with their energy-provider’s special rate programs, according to market research firm Parks Associates. With many service providers offering special rates as part of ene...

‹
1
2
...
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
...
717
718
›