Organisations can now apply for funding to support research into
the cyber security of office devices which can connect to the
internet, such as printers, cameras, and room booking systems, to
ensure they are properly protected against hackers.
Thousands of UK businesses rely on these products, known as
enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to increase
productivity and enable hybrid working. The government is funding
new research to uncover vulnerabilities in these commonly used
enterprise IoT products and assess the cyber resilience of these
devices.
Smart devices in the workplace can collect sensitive data which
can be accessed by other users, making them an attractive target
for cyber criminals to exploit. While devices may have some
protections built-in, products with poor cyber security can leave
companies using them at risk.
For example, in 2019 Microsoft’s
researchers found Russian hackers were compromising
conference phones and office printers in organisations across
many sectors, though Microsoft was able to successfully block the
attacks before they could cause any damage.
The successful bidder will be awarded up to £200,000 to test
popular devices and help identify if current security measures
and guidance, such as international standards and NCSC device
security principles, are robust enough to protect businesses
from evolving threats.
Cyber minister said:
Technology played a pivotal role in keeping British businesses
going during the pandemic, helping the pivot to hybrid working
and boosting productivity ever since.
This research will ensure we have the right measures in place to
protect our economy and keep our offices and workers safe from
cyber security threats.
The grant is part of the government’s £2.6 billion National Cyber
Strategy to protect the UK from cyber threats and grow
the digital economy. It supports the UK’s objective to take the
lead in the technologies vital to cyber power and secure the
Internet of Things and connected technologies used by consumers
and enterprises.
This work complements the Product Security and
Telecommunications infrastructure bill (PSTI) going
through parliament which strengthens the cyber resilience of
consumer IoT devices, such as smart speakers and smart TVs.
Notes to editors
Further details about this grant can be found here.
