Consumers can now breathe a sigh of relief as new cyber security laws have officially come into effect. Starting Monday, all smart devices, from mobile phones to smart doorbells, must meet basic security requirements to ward off potential hackers, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Gone are the days of weak default passwords like “admin” or “12345” – users are now encouraged to set stronger, unique passwords. Companies are also required to provide contact information for reporting vulnerabilities and be transparent about when security updates will be available.
These regulations are designed to boost consumer confidence in using smart products, says Viscount Camrose, the science and technology minister. “As our reliance on connected devices grows, so do the threats posed by the internet,” he explains.
“With these new laws, consumers can rest assured that their smart devices are shielded from cyber criminals,” Camrose adds. “We are dedicated to making the UK the safest place to be online, and these regulations are a significant step towards a more secure digital world.”
The laws are part of the product security and telecommunications infrastructure (PSTI) regime, aimed at strengthening the UK’s defenses against cyber crime.