Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » UK launches first IoT security law
    iot laws
    iot laws
    Regulation

    UK launches first IoT security law

    By Monica ChenApril 30, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • The UK has become the first country to legally mandate cybersecurity standards for IoT devices. The new laws, which came into force on April 29, aim to shield consumers from cyber threats and boost the nation’s resilience against rising cybercrime.
    • Manufacturers are required to build security protections and hard-to-crack passwords, publish vulnerability disclosure policies for reporting security flaws, state minimum periods for providing security updates and provide mechanisms for securely updating software.
    • The automotive industry was not included in the new regime and the government is now pursuing alternative cybersecurity regulations specific to internet-connected vehicles.

    The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) of the United Kingdom has introduced the world’s first law to legally mandate cybersecurity standards for IoT devices, aiming to shield consumers from cyber threats and boost the nation’s resilience against rising cybercrime.

    The new laws, which came into force this Monday, require manufacturers to build security protections into any product with internet connectivity, such as prohibiting easy-to-guess passwords on IoT devices, like “admin” or “12345”.

    Also read: What is the most prevalent cyber threat from IoT devices?

    Also read: What are two major concerns regarding IoT devices?

    The urgent protection of household IoT devices

    Manufacturers are also required by the new regime to publish vulnerability disclosure policies for reporting security flaws, state minimum periods for providing security updates and provide mechanisms for securely updating software.

    “From today, consumers will have greater peace of mind that their smart devices are protected from cyber criminals, as we introduce world-first laws that will make sure their personal privacy, data, and finances are safe,” stated Viscount Camrose, Minister for Cyber.

    The urgency for such protections is clear. According to a consumer advocacy group, a typical smart home could face over 12,000 hacking attempts in a week, with nearly 2,700 attempts to guess weak passwords on just five devices. Attacks like the devastating 2016 Mirai botnet incident were also a wake-up call.

    The cybersecurity standards are part of the UK’s £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy. They reflect the government’s commitment to making Britain the world’s safest place for online activities as cyber threats rise alongside IoT adoption rates.

    “Businesses have a major role in protecting the public by ensuring smart products provide ongoing protection against cyber-attacks,” said Sarah Lyons, Deputy Director for Economy and Society at the The National Cyber Security Centre. “This landmark Act will help consumers make informed decisions.”

    While the automotive industry was initially included, the government is now pursuing alternative cybersecurity regulations specific to internet-connected vehicles.

    cyber criminal IoT security law UK
    Monica Chen

    Monica Chen is an intern reporter at BTW Media covering tech-trends and IT infrastructure. She graduated from Shanghai International Studies University with a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communication. Send tips to m.chen@btw.media

    Related Posts

    ICANN’s ‘failure’ and ‘hypocrisy’ highlighted by expert as WSIS+20 starts

    July 15, 2025

    Could a public audit save AFRINIC from collapse?

    July 14, 2025

    What happens after you submit an IP request to AFRINIC

    July 14, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.