Tech manufacturers will be required to follow tighter rules should they want to sell “smart” devices in the UK, according to a new law.
It aims to stop cyber-attacks on internet-linked devices used around the house like speakers, televisions and baby monitors.
While it will stop cyber-criminals from being able to hack into home networks and steal data, lawmakers also believe it will bring households “peace of mind”.
Sometimes called the “internet of things,” web-linked devices have become more common as technology improves, with everyday items and appliances such as dishwashers and doorbells now being built with online access.
Under the new law, manufacturers are required to:
Make sure passwords are initially set with hard-to-crack credentials and not choices like “12345” or “admin”
Provide clarity over how “bugs” or security concerns can be reported
Offer a timeline over how long items will receive support and software updates
Manufacturers which fail to meet the requirements, called the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, can face being fined.
Industry data found more than half of UK homes have a smart TV and/or a voice assistant like Alexa.