WIREDGOV

Plans to ensure that millions of household items that are connected to the internet are better protected from cyber attacks have been launched by Digital Minister Margot James.

Options that the Government will be consulting on include a mandatory new labelling scheme.  The label would tell consumers how secure their products such as ‘smart’ TVs, toys and appliances are.  The move means that retailers will only be able to sell products with an Internet of Things (IoT) security label.  The consultation focuses on mandating the top 3 security requirements that are set out in the current ‘Secure by Design’ code of practice. 

Following the consultation, the security label will initially be launched as a voluntary scheme to help consumers identify products that have basic security features and those that don’t.  Alternative options to the label that Government are also consulting on would be to mandate retailers to not sell any products that do not adhere to the top three security requirements of the Code.