During the post-Christmas period, the government is cautioning households about heightened risks posed by hackers. With the surge in ‘smart’ devices gifted during Christmas, alongside the existing plethora of internet-connected gadgets in UK homes, such as smart speakers, fitness trackers, security cameras, and various household appliances, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning.
According to the NCSC, insecure devices can potentially serve as entry points for cybercriminals to infiltrate a household’s network or launch cyber attacks. Recent studies of connected homes revealed an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, with security measures blocking about 1,736 threats per minute.
To address these security concerns, the government is urging households to take a few minutes to set up two-step verification on new device accounts or enable automatic updates. Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, emphasized the importance of securing smart devices for a worry-free experience, especially during the festive season.
Jonathon Ellison, NCSC’s director for national resilience, recommended implementing essential security measures while setting up new smart devices received during Christmas. He stressed the significance of safeguarding homes and personal information, highlighting the value of following NCSC’s guidelines and activating two-step verification for crucial accounts.
The UK government asserts its leadership in safeguarding families from cyber threats, citing the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulations enforced since April last year. These regulations mandate that all smart devices sold in the UK adhere to basic security standards, including the absence of default or easily guessable passwords. Additionally, a festive security checklist has been provided to enhance cybersecurity measures.
