During the period following Christmas, the government is cautioning households about the heightened risk of cyber attacks by hackers. With the surge in ‘smart’ device gifting during Christmas, adding to the plethora of internet-connected devices in UK homes, including smart speakers, fitness trackers, security cameras, as well as modern appliances like fridges and thermostats, there is an increased vulnerability to cyber threats.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of GCHQ, has highlighted the potential risks posed by insecure devices, which could be exploited by criminals to infiltrate household networks or launch cyber attacks. Recent analysis of connected homes revealed an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, with security measures successfully averting approximately 1,736 threats per minute.
Emphasizing the importance of securing devices, the government urges households to invest five minutes in setting up two-step verification for new device accounts and enabling automatic updates. Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd underscores the significance of taking these simple steps to ensure families can enjoy a secure technology experience during the festive season.
NCSC Director for National Resilience, Jonathon Ellison, advises users to prioritize security when setting up new smart devices received as Christmas gifts. By following NCSC’s guidelines and activating two-step verification for crucial accounts, individuals can safeguard their homes and personal information effectively.
The government asserts the UK’s leading role in safeguarding families from cyber threats, citing the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulations implemented last year. These regulations mandate that all smart devices sold in the UK meet fundamental security standards, such as the absence of default or easily guessable passwords.
As part of the festive security checklist, households are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive in securing their smart devices to prevent potential cyber breaches.