The United Kingdom has recently introduced new regulations to beef up cybersecurity and protect people online from cyber-attacks.
On Monday, these strict measures to protect both individuals and businesses from digital breaches were implemented under the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022.
One key component of these regulations is to ensure that internet-connected smart devices meet the minimum security standards.
As per the UK IoT cybersecurity law and UK network security law, companies are now legally obliged to comply with these rules, which will ultimately make these devices safer.
These rules apply to a wide range of products, such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and even household appliances such as refrigerators.
The UK government hopes these measures will mitigate the risks of hacking and device exploitation risks.
No More Easy Default Passwords
Another important part of the new rules is banning weak and easy-to-guess default passwords that companies often use.
Passwords like "admin" or "12345" are no longer allowed because they are unsafe. Instead, companies must ensure users set strong, unique passwords when using the device.
The UK aims to avoid potential security risks, such as the major Mirai assault that occurred in 2016, which exploited insecure smart devices to conduct cyberattacks.
By eliminating weak passwords, the UK intends to ensure that similar attacks do not happen again and to safeguard both individuals and crucial systems.
The UK decided to make these cybersecurity laws because there are more and more cyber-attacks targeting connected devices. With more homes using innovative technology, there's a more significant risk of bad people taking advantage of them.
Recent statistics from the National Cyber Security Centre indicate that IoT technology is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Almost everyone in the country owns at least one smart device, and the average home contains nine connected gadgets.
However, a study conducted by "Which" revealed that connected devices are susceptible to hacking attempts.
A household with multiple smart devices can receive thousands of hacking attempts in just a week. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your cybersecurity measures are robust and up-to-date to safeguard against potential cyber threats.
Making Sure the Digital Future Is Safe
The UK has put in place new regulations to bolster its defences against cyber-attacks and safeguard individuals and businesses.
The UK government has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity by ensuring adequate security for internet-connected devices and prohibiting the use of easy default passwords.
By staying up-to-date with new threats and implementing the best cybersecurity practices, the UK aims to create a safer internet for residents.