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The government has initiated a fund of £400,000 for innovators to design assurance schemes to advance the security of internet-connected products, Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman has announced.
The programme, announced June 10, is intended to support the development of the assurance scheme market for smart products, also known as the Internet of Things (IoT).
The average U.K. household contains about 15 smart devices, but many of these devices do not have standard cybersecurity equipment.
Smart devices include speakers, fitness trackers, doorbells and more. Any household or personal device connected to the internet runs a risk, according to the National Cyber Security Centre. Just like smartphones, laptops, or computers, smart devices can be hacked. When hacked, consumers’ private data can be violated, and more rarely, the devices can be controlled by the hacker.
Consumers are more aware of the importance of device security as smart devices become a common part of everyone’s lives. Device security can provide consumers with an assurance label that indicates the product has undergone either independent testing or an accredited self-assessment process. With assurance schemes, consumers can be sure they are purchasing security-conscious products.
Before consumers buy smart devices, the NCSC advises them to check product reviews, and, once the item is purchased, to also check the “getting started” guide from the manufacturer.
Keeping devices updated regularly helps to ensure products are secure, according to the NCSC.
When selling or getting rid of a smart device, it’s important to perform a factory reset to return the device to original settings and also to erase personal data NCSC guidelines state.
Manufacturers can choose from an array of assurance schemes to show their product has undergone independent testing or accredited self-assessment products in compliance with the government’s Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security.
The sale of connected devices is accelerating, and Statista estimates there will be 75 billion internet-connected devices in households around the world by the end of 2025. These devices include televisions, home-assistants, cameras and more.
“We are committed to making the U.K. the safest place to be online and are developing laws to make sure robust security standards for consumer internet-connected products are built in from the start,” Warman said regarding device security. “This new funding will allow shoppers to be sure the products they are buying have better cybersecurity and help retailers be confident they are stocking secure smart products. People should continue to change default passwords on their smart devices and regularly update software to help protect themselves from cyber criminals.”
The funding for device security has been led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport as legislation for the government has been processing minimum security law requirements for smart devices.
Earlier this year, new laws were enacted to ensure device security by requiring certain steps be taken with all consumer smart devices.
The three major security requirements are:
- Passwords must be unique and unable to be reset by any universal factory settings.
- Product manufacturers are required to present a public contact person so that anyone can easily report vulnerabilities.
- The minimum length of time for the device to receive security updates must be stated by the manufacturer.
The new Cyber Aware campaign was launched by the government last month to increase the country’s cybersecurity awareness, as more people are relying on technology to stay connected. The campaign offers advice on device security, including changing passwords, updating devices, turning on two-factor authentication and more.
The government is partnering with other governments worldwide and global standards bodies, such as ETSI, to create a cohesive approach to cybersecurity.
How aware are you about your device security? Do you think this initiative is enough to keep smart devices secure? Let us know in the comments.
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