World’s First: UK to Officially Ban Weak Passwords

April 29, 2024

31 2 minutes read

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The United Kingdom is now reportedly set to crack down on common and weak passwords, requiring manufacturers of internet-connected devices to direct users to change common security keys.

The new legislation is also set to make security and update reports clearer.

The PSTI regime, or Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure, imposes minimal requirements that must be met to avoid penalties.

According to the government, the regulations are a “world first” that will guard UK businesses and consumers against cybercrime and increase the nation’s resistance to it.

As a result, producers of various electronics, including phones, TVs, and smart doorbells, are now obligated by law to safeguard internet-connected gadgets from hackers and to remind consumers to update any default passwords.

Cyber Security Concerns In The Global Wake of Hacking Threat

(Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND—AUGUST 09: In this photo illustration, a woman is silhouetted against a projection of a password log-in dialog box on August 09, 2017, in London, England. With so many areas of modern life requiring identity verification, online security remains a constant concern, especially following the recent global hacks.

Brands must provide contact details and maintain transparency regarding the timing of security upgrades to facilitate the reporting of bugs and concerns.

At a time when hackers are attacking consumers and businesses more frequently than ever, the new safeguards are anticipated to make people feel more confident while purchasing and using items.

According to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), more than half of UK households reportedly have a voice assistant, such as Alexa.

According to reports, home networks typically included nine devices.

These can include web-enabled toys or remotely controlled equipment such as stoves, refrigerators, and radiators, as well as standard broadband routers.

Since their widespread use, there have also been an increasing number of stories of hackers gaining control of these devices and abusing them-sometimes secretly photographing or recording, spying on individuals, or stealing personal information.

Experts Weigh In

According to security expert Ken Munro of Pen Test Partners, a company that conducts ethical hacking against smart gadgets, the new regulation is a positive move.

He also said it has historically been far too simple for manufacturers to discontinue support for older models when they introduced new ones, and it would be helpful for buyers to compare the number of years of support that a product was guaranteed to provide.

According to him, a manufacturer prioritizing cyber-security could be indicated by a more extended support period.

According to Jonathan Berry, the minister of science and technology, the risks posed by the internet grow as daily lives depend more and more on linked gadgets.

UK on Cyberattacks

The United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters issued a warning about cyberattacks and artificial intelligence in January, stating that as these technologies advance, cyberattacks are likely to increase in frequency. This makes the new cybersecurity-focused legislation timely.

In the next two years, AI may make it simpler for inexperienced hackers to wreak harm online, according to a recent warning about ransomware attacks and phishing scams that affect the entire world.

The article asserts, in particular, that threat actors’ social engineering skills will be enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Genetic artificial intelligence (GenAI) can enable convincing contact with victims, including creating lure documents without requiring translation, spelling, or grammar checks, often signs of phishing.

Written by Aldohn Domingo