Technology by weak passwords such as “admin” or “12345” will be abolished in the UK, under new legislation.
This legislation requires all smart devices to comply with minimum security standards.
Increased measures to protect consumers from hacking and cyberattacks will come into effect on Monday , the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology announced. This means that manufacturers of devices such as phones, televisions and smart doorbells, among others, are now legally obliged to ensure that their internet-connected devices are protected from cyber breaches. Users are also required to change any pre-set passwords.
Read more: Find My: Can be abused to steal passwords
Companies They must also maintain full transparency about security update schedules.
It is expected that the new policies will boost customer confidence in the market and product usage, at a time when consumers and businesses are facing increased cyberattacks.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Who?, said: “The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) must provide industry with clear guidance and be prepared to take strong enforcement action against manufacturers who fail to comply. At the same time, we expect smart device brands to be honest with their customers from the start, ensuring that consumers can easily find out how long their devices will be supported, enabling them to make informed decisions before they buy.”
Science and Technology Minister Jonathan Berry said: “As everyday life becomes increasingly dependent on connected devices, the threats posed by the internet are multiplying and becoming even greater.
From today, we are giving consumers greater confidence in the security of their smart devices against cyber threats, by introducing legislation that guarantees the protection of their privacy, data and financial well-being. We are committed to making the UK the safest country in the world to access , and these new regulations are an important step towards a safer digital future.
See also: Passwords: Users continue to use them despite the risks
The laws come into force as part of the Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, which aims to strengthen the UK's resilience against cybercrime.
Source: theguardian
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