Preparations for new product security regime
Summary
In bringing forward this new regime, the UK becomes the first country anywhere in the world to require minimum protections for consumers and businesses using these devices from cyber security risks. Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Viscount Camrose, said: “These new regulations coming into force next April will transform how we protect and secure consumer devices with an internet or network connection. “When this regime comes into force, every household and business in the UK who buys a new connectable product, whether it’s a smartphone, a smart speaker, or a piece of wearable tech, will benefit from these increased protections, which are the first of their kind anywhere in the world. “We’ve laid the foundations for a new system to protect our consumers and businesses while also supporting technological innovation, and we’ll now work closely with industry over the next 12 months as we prepare for its implementation.” The new measures will introduce a series of improved security protections to tackle the threat of cybercrime including: • The banning of universal default and easily guessable default passwords on consumer connectable products. Offering individuals and businesses across the country point-of-access protection in accessing online services through connectable devices represents a watershed moment and will establish the UK as a global leader in consumer cyber security when the regime takes effect next April.