The government is cautioning households about the increased risk of cyber attacks by hackers during the period following Christmas. With the proliferation of ‘smart’ devices as popular Christmas gifts, many homes in the UK now host a variety of internet-connectable gadgets such as smart speakers, fitness trackers, security cameras, and even appliances like fridges, thermostats, kettles, washing machines, and toys.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), under GCHQ, has highlighted the vulnerability of unsecured devices to potential exploitation by criminals, allowing unauthorized access to household networks or enabling cyber attacks. Recent studies on connected homes have revealed an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours on such devices, with security measures successfully averting approximately 1,736 threats per minute.
Emphasizing the importance of securing devices, the government is urging households to invest just five minutes in setting up two-step verification for new device accounts or enabling automatic updates. Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, stressed the significance of ensuring security measures are in place for smart devices to safeguard families and enhance their holiday experiences.
Jonathon Ellison, the NCSC director for national resilience, advised users to prioritize security measures when setting up new smart devices received during Christmas. By adhering to NCSC guidelines and activating two-step verification on critical accounts, users can bolster their defenses against potential cyber threats.
The UK government asserts its leadership in shielding families from cyber risks, citing the implementation of Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulations mandating basic security standards for all smart devices sold in the country. These regulations prohibit default or easily guessable passwords to enhance device security.
The festive security checklist includes ensuring that all devices are properly secured and updated to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks.