The government is alerting households about the increased risk of cyber attacks by hackers during the post-Christmas period. With many people receiving smart devices as Christmas gifts, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has cautioned that insecure devices can be exploited by criminals to breach a household’s network or launch cyber attacks.
Recent studies have shown that connected homes face an average of 10 attacks per day, with security systems intercepting around 1,736 threats every minute. In response, the government is urging households to enhance their device security by enabling two-step verification and automatic updates, a process that only takes a few minutes.
Baroness Lloyd, the Cyber Security Minister, emphasized the importance of securing smart devices to safeguard families during the holiday season. NCSC director Jonathon Ellison advised users to prioritize setting up essential security measures on their new smart devices to protect their homes and personal information effectively.
The UK government asserts its leadership in safeguarding families from cyber threats, citing the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulations implemented last year. These regulations mandate that all smart devices sold in the UK meet basic security standards, such as prohibiting default or easily guessed passwords.
To enhance security, households are advised to follow a festive security checklist, including implementing two-step verification for important accounts. By taking these proactive steps, families can enjoy a safer and more secure digital environment.