During the post-Christmas period, the government is cautioning households about the heightened risk of cyber attacks by hackers. With the influx of ‘smart’ devices received as Christmas gifts, alongside the myriad of internet-connectable appliances already present in UK homes, such as smart speakers, fitness trackers, security cameras, modern fridges, thermostats, and even household items like kettles, washing machines, and toys, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning.

According to the NCSC, insecure devices can potentially be exploited by criminals to gain unauthorized access to a household’s network or launch cyber attacks. Recent analysis revealed that connected homes face an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, with security measures successfully intercepting around 1,736 threats per minute.

In response, the government is urging households to take a few minutes to enhance security by setting up two-step verification on new device accounts and enabling automatic updates. Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd emphasized the importance of securing smart devices, stating that simple setup steps can provide peace of mind for families during the festive season.

NCSC director for national resilience, Jonathon Ellison, advised users to ensure their smart devices are equipped with essential security measures. He stressed the significance of safeguarding homes and personal information, recommending adherence to NCSC guidelines and activation of two-step verification for critical accounts.

The UK government asserts its leadership in safeguarding families against cyber threats, citing the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulations that mandate all smart devices sold in the UK to meet basic security standards, including the absence of default or easily guessable passwords.