Smartphones, alarm systems, doorbells and other devices that have an internet connection will soon no longer work with standard passwords in the UK. In this way, the devices should be less vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Smart devices, such as a baby monitor with camera or a digital meter, almost always come with a standard password. This password is provided by manufacturers to make the installation of the smart device quick and easy. More than once, consumers just don’t change that default password. That offers a lot of opportunities for cyber criminals.

To make smart devices safer, the UK Government now has a bill ready to get rid of standard passwords. To this end, the rule would prohibit producers from using standard passwords.

In addition to this proposal, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Bill also calls for an obligation for companies to have a product policy for disclosure of vulnerabilities and to provide transparency over the minimum period of security updates.

In short, the PSTI actually consists of two parts. On the one hand, security measures are required, which dramatically reduces the vulnerability of products. On the other hand, some guidelines are listed that speed up installation, usage and updates.

Once the bill receives royal approval, producers, importers and distributors will have at least one more year to adapt the product range to the legislation.

Once standard passwords disappear, consumers are forced to install a password themselves. For this it is important to create a strong password.