On 30 April 2019, the Department for Digital, Culture,
Media & Sport (DCMS) and Which? convened a roundtable
on the cyber security of consumer smart products with
senior representatives of leading Internet of Things (IoT)
manufacturers and retailers. Chaired by MP, Minister for Digital
and the Creative Industries, the purpose was to hear the
steps manufacturers are taking to secure their products and
drive the adoption of security good practice.
The UK Government takes the issue of IoT security seriously
and is undertaking substantial work to protect consumers’
privacy and online security. As increasing numbers of these
devices are brought into our homes, it is now more
important than ever for industry and government to address
the issue.
It was clear from discussions at the meeting that all
participating manufacturers recognise the need to
prioritise security in the design, development and ongoing
support of their IoT products. Retailers in attendance
highlighted the need for consumers to feel confident that
the products they are purchasing are secure in order for
the sector to thrive. We have a shared aim to make it
easier for consumers to use their smart products securely -
reducing the burden to keep devices and personal data
secure.
All of the firms in attendance committed to taking steps to
ensure that effective security solutions are being
implemented across IoT products on the market.
The UK Government will continue to work closely with
industry to move the sector to a place where implementation
of good practice, such as set out by the Code of Practice for
Consumer IoT security and the ETSI TS 103 645,
is commonplace.
Agreed by organisations represented at the 30 April
roundtable including Amazon, Legrand, Miele, Panasonic,
Philips, Samsung and Yale.
