Priya Patel
TLDR:
Key Points:
- New UK law requires internet-connected smart devices to meet minimum security standards.
- The law aims to prevent cybercrimes such as the Mirai attack in 2016.
In response to the increasing number of cybercrimes targeting consumers through smart devices, the United Kingdom has implemented a new law – the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act. This law, which went into effect on April 29th, mandates that all internet-connected devices, from smartphones to gaming consoles, must have stronger security features to protect consumers. The government’s goal is to prevent incidents like the Mirai attack in 2016, which affected 300,000 products with weak default passwords and disrupted internet services.
With the majority of UK adults owning at least one smart device and households averaging nine connected devices, the government’s move is crucial to safeguarding against cybercrimes. By ensuring consumer trust in smart devices, the UK expects to boost business growth and the national economy. In addition to regulatory action, private sector companies like Microsoft are also prioritizing cybersecurity to enhance smart device security.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has also launched a global cybersecurity standard and certification program to improve the security of connected devices and increase consumer confidence in their use. This initiative, along with the new UK law, demonstrates a collective effort to address the rising threat of cybercrimes targeting smart devices.
