The government is cautioning households about the heightened risk of cyber attacks by hackers during the post-Christmas period. Many individuals may have received “smart” devices as Christmas gifts, adding to the already vast array of internet-connected gadgets in UK homes. These devices range from smart speakers, fitness trackers, and security cameras to modern appliances like fridges, thermostats, kettles, washing machines, and toys.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of GCHQ, has issued a warning that insecure devices could potentially be exploited by criminals to infiltrate a household’s network or launch cyber attacks. Recent studies on connected homes revealed that these devices face an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, with security measures successfully thwarting around 1,736 threats per minute.
In the wake of Christmas, the government is emphasizing the importance of taking a few minutes to set up two-step verification on new device accounts or enabling automatic updates. Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, highlighted the role of smart devices in bringing families together during the festive season, urging families to prioritize security measures for a worry-free experience.
Jonathon Ellison, the NCSC director for national resilience, stressed the significance of ensuring robust security measures when setting up new smart devices received during Christmas. The UK government asserts its leadership in safeguarding families from cyber threats and points to regulations mandating basic security standards for all smart devices sold in the UK, such as prohibiting default or easily guessable passwords.
The government’s festive security checklist includes safeguarding smart devices by following NCSC guidance and activating two-step verification for crucial accounts, emphasizing that securing homes and personal information is the best gift one can give oneself this year.