Manufacturers selling smart gadgets in the UK will have to comply with strict regulations following new legislation.
Aimed to strengthen cybersecurity in homes across the country, the bill aims to tighten security standards around internet-connected devices such as baby monitors, televisions and speakers.
Sarah Lyons from the National Cyber Security Center told the BBC, highlighting the vital role of businesses in keeping consumers safe: Protection from cyber attacks. ”
He also welcomed the groundbreaking Smart Gadgets Act as a way to empower consumers to make informed decisions about product security.
The proliferation of internet-connected technology has raised concerns as cybercriminals are exploiting it to infiltrate home networks and steal sensitive data.
UK government experts say the new law aims to provide consumers with “peace of mind” in an increasingly interconnected world.
In recent years, the proliferation of web-linked devices in homes has skyrocketed, ranging from gaming consoles to fitness trackers to consumer electronics, often referred to as the “Internet of Things.”
Previously, manufacturers were required to voluntarily comply with security guidelines.
However, the new law introduces three very important requirements.
The first is implementing a robust password protocol, which prohibits common or easily guessed passwords such as “12345” or “admin.”
Second, clear guidelines for reporting bugs and security breaches, and third, disclosure of the support period (including software updates) provided to consumers when purchasing a device.
Failure to comply with the minimum standards set out in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime may result in fines.
The legislation, described by the UK government as a “world first”, has been hailed as a significant step towards protecting both consumers and businesses from cyber threats, while strengthening the country’s resilience to cybercrime.
According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), more than half of UK households now own a smart TV, with a similar proportion equipped with a voice assistant such as Alexa.
On average, there are about nine interconnected devices in a home, ranging from a basic broadband router to web-linked toys and remotely controllable appliances such as radiators, ovens, and refrigerators.
Despite this revolutionary convenience, there has been a proliferation of reports detailing cases in which hackers have misused such devices for illicit purposes such as unauthorized surveillance and data theft.