UK Government Launches IoT Code of Practice to Improve Cyber Security

The UK government has launched a new voluntary Internet of Things code of practice to help manufacturers improve the security of connected devices. A number of tech manufacturers, including HPE and Centrica Hive, have committed to the code. The move will ensure that businesses continue to strengthen their products’ cyber security at the design stage to minimise vulnerabilities. This is intended to address growing concern about the security of connected devices, as the number of such devices in the UK is expected to swell to 420 million in the next three years, and lax security standards around these can leave people exposed to security issues and larger-scale cyber attacks. To combat this, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) set out plans in a ‘Secure by Design’ review to embed security in the design process of new technology rather than bolt it on as an afterthought. As a result, the code of practice has been developed with industry to improve the cyber security of devices, encourage innovation in new technologies and keep consumers safe.