The United Kingdom has introduced a new law banning generic passwords on smart devices to protect consumers from cybersecurity threats. This law requires manufacturers to adopt minimum security standards to prevent hackers from accessing internet-connected devices. The goal is to increase consumer confidence in using smart products and improve the country’s resilience against cyber threats. Canada is encouraged to follow suit due to the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals and the vulnerability of generic passwords. The new U.K. law aims to shield consumers’ personal privacy, data, and finances from hackers and cyber attacks.
The law in the United Kingdom prohibits the use of easily guessable default passwords like ‘admin’ or ‘12345’ on smart devices. This measure is critical given the rise in cyber threats targeting everyday consumers and critical infrastructure in various countries, including Canada. Cybersecurity experts emphasize that generic passwords no longer provide adequate protection against hacking. The recommendation is to replace passwords with biometrics technology like face, fingerprint, and voice identification for enhanced security. Despite the challenges of convincing consumers to change their password habits, the U.K.’s new law is considered a positive step towards addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The past year has witnessed numerous high-profile cyberattacks and ransomware incidents targeting major businesses, healthcare networks, law enforcement agencies, and governments worldwide. A report from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security highlights the continued targeting of high-value organizations in critical infrastructure sectors by financially motivated cybercriminals. As tools for cybercrime become more accessible, there is a pressing need for stronger cyber defenses and proactive security measures. The U.K.’s law on banning generic passwords is seen as a strategic move to improve cybersecurity, and Canada is encouraged to adopt similar regulations to protect consumers and critical infrastructure.
Natalia Stakhanova, Canada Security and Privacy Research Chair, echoes the sentiments of other cybersecurity experts regarding the weaknesses of passwords and the growing intelligence of cyber criminals. She emphasizes the importance of selecting strong and unique passwords, avoiding dictionary words, and refraining from using the same password across multiple portals. Stakhanova underlines the significance of implementing security guidance and regulations to enhance consumer assurance and hold device manufacturers accountable for the security of their products. The introduction of measures similar to the U.K.’s new law is viewed as beneficial for consumers in Canada to mitigate cybersecurity risks and prevent unauthorized access to internet-connected devices.
Dan Kagan, a senior vice president at Okta, emphasizes the outdated nature of passwords and their vulnerability to cyber threats due to human predictability. He advocates for the adoption of biometrics technology as a more secure alternative to passwords for logging into portals and accessing smart devices. Despite the challenges in transitioning to biometrics, Kagan believes that the U.K.’s ban on generic passwords is a positive step towards addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The effectiveness of such measures is highlighted by the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals and the need for proactive security solutions to protect personal data and sensitive information. Overall, the implementation of regulations to enhance cybersecurity measures is crucial in safeguarding consumers and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
