Password

Cybercrime is a problem affecting citizens and governments all over the world and one of the biggest holes is in passwords, which is why the UK has forbidden Using weak default passwords such as ‘1234’ or ‘Admin’ on Internet-connected devices. So that manufacturers can meet minimum protection standards against cyber threats and hacking, and guarantee user security.

The UK proposes in 2021, in Bill telecommunications and product security infrastructure (PSTI), prohibits the use of universal default passwords on connected devices, including the Internet of Things (IoT).

This Monday they come into effect new rules designed to comply with consumer protection against hacking and cyberattacks, which requires connected smart devices to meet “minimum security standards” set by law.

One standard prohibits manufacturers from implementing default passwords weak and easy guessing at Internet-connected products, as explained by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology in a statement on the Government website.

Passwords such as ‘1234’ or ‘Admin’ can no longer be used

This means they won’t be able to use passwords like ‘1234’ or ‘Admin’ on it device with an internet connection, just like connected smartphones, tablets, televisions, speakers, smartwatches, video game consoles or even refrigerators. And if a commonly used password is used, regulations indicate that users will be required to change it when logging in.

With this, the aim is to promote protection society, society and the economy from potential cybercriminals, as well as increasing consumer confidence in the security of the products they buy and use.

New Laws seeking to improve cyber resilience in the UK

The new law, which goes into effect this Monday, seeks to improve cyber resilience in this country, where 99 percent of adults own at least one smart device and there are an average of nine connected devices in the home.

Smart devices that become part of the home can be open to more than 12,000 hacking attacks from all over the world in one week. In total, 2,684 were aimed at trying to guess weak passwords, according to a study conducted by Which? quoted by the Government.

This law is part of the Telecommunications Product and Infrastructure Security (PSTI) regime, which is designed to increase the country’s resilience to cyber attacks and ensure that “evil interference” does not affect the global economy.

Other security protections

Additionally, these regulations introduce other security protections, such as obligations for manufacturers to publish Contact information so that users and companies can be notified to solve errors and problems.

That manufacturers and retailers They must also inform consumers of the minimum amount of time required to receive critical security updates on connected smart devices.

Additionally, consumers and cybersecurity experts can also report any products that do not meet the standards set forth in normative to the Office of Product Standards and Safety (OPSS).

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