InfoSecBulletin Cybersecurity for mankind
The UK’s NCSC wants smart device manufacturers to follow new law banning default passwords. The law, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure act (or PSTI act), will be effective on April 29, 2024.
“From 29 April 2024, manufacturers of consumer ‘smart’ devices must comply with new UK law.” reads the announcement published by NCSC. “The law, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure act (or PSTI act), will help consumers to choose smart devices that have been designed to provide ongoing protection against cyber attacks.”
CVSS 10.0 Flaw
Critical flaw in Siemens OZW Web Servers Enable Unauthenticated RCE
Microsoft Patch Tuesday May 2025: 72 flaws, 5 Actively Exploited Zero-Day
OTP glitch disrupted NID services across the country
Google to pay Texas $1.4 billion for location tracking practices
YouTube geo-blocks at least 4 Bangladeshi TV channels in India
Microsoft Patches Four Critical Azure and Power Apps Vulns
Qilin Ransomware topped April 2025 with 45+ data leak disclosures
SonicWall Patches 3 Flaws in SMA 100 Devices
Top Ransomware Actively Attacking Financial Sector: 406 Incidents Disclosed
Critical (CVSS 10) Flaw in Cisco IOS XE WLCs Allows RRA
The U.K. is the first country to ban default passwords on IoT devices. This law stops manufacturers from providing devices with easily accessible passwords that can be shared.
The law applies to the following products:
Smart speakers, smart TVs, and streaming devices
Smart doorbells, baby monitors, and security cameras
Cellular tablets, smartphones, and game consoles
Wearable fitness trackers (including smart watches)
Smart domestic appliances (such as light bulbs, plugs, kettles, thermostats, ovens, fridges, cleaners, and washing machines)
Hackers could use these to get into a network or carry out cyber attacks.
Companies must provide a way to report security issues and specify how long the device will get important security updates.
The NCSC stated that the PSTI act applies to organizations that import or sell products for the UK market. This includes most smart devices made outside the UK. Manufacturers who do not comply with the act will be fined up to £10 million or 4% of their worldwide revenue.
