Today, the UK's new consumer protection laws against hacking and cyber-attacks officially come into force. The law is a world first and requires all internet-connected smart devices, from smartphones and game consoles to connected refrigerators, to meet strict security standards.
Key elements of the new regulations include banning weak and easily guessed default passwords, such as “admin” and “12345.” During setup, devices with common passwords prompt users to create stronger, more unique passwords. The move is aimed at preventing cyberattacks similar to the 2016 Mirai attack, which compromised 300,000 devices and disrupted internet service across the U.S. East Coast.
The introduction of these laws is expected to significantly strengthen the UK's cybersecurity resilience. With statistics showing that 99% of UK adults own a smart device and the average household owning 9 connected devices, the potential for cyber threats is widespread. . A report by Which? revealed that smart homes could be vulnerable to over 12,000 hacking attempts worldwide in just one week.
This legislation is part of the UK's broader national cyber strategy and is in line with the Government's commitment to establishing the UK as the world's safest place online. This initiative aims not only to protect individual consumers, but also to support overall economic growth by promoting a safer digital environment.