During the post-Christmas period, the government is cautioning households about the heightened risk of cyber attacks by hackers. With the surge in ‘smart’ devices gifted during Christmas, such as smart speakers, fitness trackers, security cameras, fridges, thermostats, and more, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has raised concerns about the potential security vulnerabilities in these devices.
Recent studies have shown that connected homes face around 10 attacks every day, with security systems averting approximately 1,736 threats per minute. To address this issue, the government is emphasizing the importance of setting up two-step verification for new device accounts and enabling automatic updates within five minutes post-Christmas.
Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, highlighted the significance of securing smart devices for ensuring family safety and peace of mind. Jonathon Ellison, NCSC’s director for national resilience, advised users to implement essential security measures while setting up new smart devices received during the festive season.
The UK government asserts its leadership in safeguarding families from cyber threats and ensuring basic security standards for all smart devices sold in the country. Regulations like the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure standards mandate that smart devices must not have default or easily guessable passwords.
In conclusion, it is crucial for households to follow security guidelines provided by the NCSC, activate two-step verification for important accounts, and maintain vigilance against cyber threats during the holiday season and beyond.