The government is cautioning households about the increased risk of cyber attacks by hackers during the post-Christmas period. With many people receiving smart devices as Christmas gifts, the number of internet-connected devices in UK homes has surged. These devices range from smart speakers and fitness trackers to security cameras, modern appliances like fridges and thermostats, and even toys.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of GCHQ, has alerted that insecure devices can be exploited by criminals to infiltrate a household’s network or launch cyber attacks. Recent studies on connected homes have revealed that these devices face an average of 10 attacks every day, with security measures blocking around 1,736 threats per minute.
To address these risks, the government is urging households to invest five minutes in setting up two-step verification on new device accounts and enabling automatic updates. Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, emphasized the importance of securing smart devices to safeguard families during the holiday season. Jonathon Ellison, NCSC’s director for national resilience, stressed the significance of implementing essential security measures while setting up new smart devices.
In a bid to protect families from cyber threats, the UK government asserts its leadership in this realm. Regulations such as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure rules, enforced since April last year, mandate that all smart devices sold in the UK meet minimum security standards, including the absence of default or easily guessable passwords.
The festive security checklist advises individuals to prioritize setting up security measures on new devices to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.