SAN JOSE, Calif. – The recently founded start-up ITUS Networks has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring an automated security appliance called iGuardian to Internet-connected homes and businesses.

The idea for the appliance was inspired by the need to combat security threats posed from accessing a workplace or household full of connected devices, such as thermostats, video surveillance cameras, fire alarm systems and many more.

The company is taking a unique approach to the security market by using Kickstarter – a global crowdfunding platform based in the United States – to actively seek contributions to launch iGuardian, reports techrepublic.com. As of Aug. 25, the company had collected $92,171 with a goal to raise $125,000 before the campaign ends on Sept. 12.

ITUS Networks Co-founder Jock Breitwieser explained to techrepublic.com why there is an immediate need for such a device. “Consumer electronics are designed to be mass produced as cheaply as possible and security is not this industry’s core competency,” Breitwieser said. “As the number of devices in businesses and homes continues to grow, so does attack surface.”

Brierwieser added, “Most cyberattacks could be prevented by using automated technologies, which are sorely lacking in the home and small office environments. Those technologies must also be easy to use, affordable, and comprehensive.”

With the initial focus on the hobbyist and hacker communities, the company aims to engage with the vast home networking market, which is adopting Internet of Things (IoT) and other IT devices at an accelerated pace, reports techrepublic.com However, that does not make the technology any less appealing to businesses supporting branch offices or SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environments.

“There’s nothing available today to protect families from cyber threats online. The bad guys keep getting better at what they do every day but the security built into consumer grade products has by-and-large remained the same for years,” Ayoub said. “The more devices we connect to our homes, the more opportunities we provide the bad guys to get in. That does not appear to be changing and there is nothing available today to mitigate this growing risk.”

iGuardian is the only network security device on the market today that has been designed with home users in mind, according to Breitwieser. “We’re taking the same type of technology typically found in enterprise grade security equipment and making it easy and affordable enough for everyone.”

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