Smart Device Manufacturers Face New Rules in UK Market

The U.K. government has introduced ‘world-first’ laws protecting businesses and consumers from cyberattacks, which will have ripple effects for smart device manufacturers worldwide.

Under the new rules, manufacturers of connected devices – such as smartphones, games consoles and smart doorbells – are legally required to follow minimum security standards against cyber threats.

The regulations also ban the use of easily guessable default passwords, such as ‘admin’ or ‘12345’ and manufacturers will be required to publish contact details so bugs and issues can be reported and dealt with.

“As everyday life becomes increasingly dependent on connected devices, the threats generated by the internet multiply and become even greater,” said Viscount Camrose, U.K. minister for AI and intellectual property. “From today, consumers will have greater peace of mind that their smart devices are protected from cyber criminals, as we introduce world-first laws that will make sure their personal privacy, data and finances are safe.”

While the UK is the first country in the world to introduce these specific laws, the announcement comes as nations tighten cybersecurity regulations in response to increasingly connected – and increasingly vulnerable – industries.

Related:FCC Approves Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Smart Products

Last month, the Federal Communications Commission approved a new labeling program to identify smart products with robust cybersecurity standards.

The initiative was launched last July, with the Trust Mark shield logo appearing on certified devices, similar to the Energy Star rating given to home appliances.

“Smart devices have become an important part of our daily lives…however, we know this dependency also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals,” said Sarah Lyons, deputy director at the National Cyber Security Centre. “Businesses have a major role to play in protecting the public by ensuring the smart products they manufacture, import or distribute provide ongoing protection against cyber-attacks, 

“This landmark act will help consumers to make informed decisions about the security of products they buy.”