Jim Hawkins of cyber-security firm C3IA Solutions
A company certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has welcomed new legislation that will help protect people from having their devices hacked and data stolen.
C3IA Solutions, headquartered in Poole, Dorset, said the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Bill is long overdue.
Jim Hawkins from the company said that the new law will ban easy-to-guess default passwords being installed on devices.
It will also require that customers are told when they buy an internet-enabled product how long it will receive security updates and patches.
Jim said: “This is something that will make hacking harder and is the sort of bill the cyber security industry has been calling for.
“It is a move in the right direction and shows that legislators are beginning to understand the threats that ordinary people face.
“Easy-to-guess default passwords enable hackers to target a device and that can give them access to home networks meaning they are able to steal data or sensitive information.
“So many things are internet-connected now – from televisions to toys – and it gives criminals new opportunities.
“During the lockdowns we saw more traditional criminals move into cyber crime, and there they remain.
“The legislation will also provide a place where people can report bugs and flaws – and the whole thing will be overseen by a new regulator.
“Companies that do not comply with the new law could face large fines – and this is hopefully the stick that will create compliance. The law will apply to manufacturers, importers and distributors.
“There will be an estimated 50 billion connectable products worldwide by 2030, and on average there are nine in each UK home.
“The bill also aims to boost the security of 5G and broadband networks.
“It is important that people don’t become complacent because the bill is not in effect yet and there are plenty of other ways in which internet security can be breached.
“As ever we would urge people to use hard-to-guess passwords on all their devices, and change them regularly. A good technique is to use three random words or a password management system.
“We know that ‘1234’, ‘qwerty’ and ‘password’, as well as popular football teams’ names, are still used by far too many people.
“With Christmas approaching there will be millions of gadgets given as presents and each represents a security risk.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
C3IA (a military term) was set up in 2006 by Matt Horan and Keith Parsons. It has around 115 employees, and it is headquartered in Ling Road, Poole, Dorset. It has been certified by the National Cyber Security Centre and works in the defence and security sectors, for government departments and within industry – serving both SMEs and multi-national firms. C3IA is a leading provider of secure ICT, technical programme management and information security services and solutions. C3IA takes its corporate social responsibilities seriously, supporting serving and past members of the Armed Services. It sponsors those engaged in personal and team development through arduous sporting and other challenges.
For more information contact:
Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 07788392965
