UK Government announces new security by design guidelines for IoT devices

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have published new measures to combat the insecurity of the Internet of Things, a recent news report has been able to suggest.

As part of these measures, embedded security measures will become a must, as opposed to a bolt-on or extra to be configured at a later date.

The Code defines 13 guidelines for manufacturers, service providers, developers and retailers to implement in order to ensure that IoT products are safe to use. They are:

No default passwords

Implement a vulnerability disclosure policy

Keep software updated

Securely store credentials and security-sensitive data

Communicate securely

Minimise exposed attack surfaces

Ensure software integrity

Ensure that personal data is protected

Make systems resilient to outages

Monitor system telemetry data

Make it easy for consumers to delete personal data

Make installation and maintenance of devices easy

Validate input data

Minister for Digital Margot James said that these pledges are "a welcome first step," but "it is vital other manufacturers follow their lead to ensure strong security measures are built into everyday technology from the moment it is designed."

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