Household devices under the microscope with new cyber security standards
New cybercrime measures will be set to reflect increasing threats from cyber-criminals who can hack any item with internet connection.
Smart watches, baby monitors, sex toys and other household devices will come under the microscope with the Morrison government promising new cyber security standards if re-elected.
A voluntary cyber security label will also be added to products in a bid to boost consumer confidence that their data and personal information will be safe.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the new measures reflect increasing threats from cyber-criminals to hack any item that can be connected to the internet.
“The smart device market is growing rapidly but devices are not always secure,” Ms Andrews said.
“Overseas hackers have been able to steal personal information by remotely accessing the very devices victims bought to protect their homes.
“We will provide Australian consumers and businesses with the tools and information they need to protect themselves from malicious cyber activity.”
Products expected to be subject to the minimum cyber security standards include: smart watches, baby monitors, fitness trackers, security cameras, home appliances such as smart fridges, sex toys and cars.
The standards will be aligned with UK model to reduce the cost and regulatory burden on industry, which will also co-develop the voluntary labelling scheme.
To comply, tech companies would be expected to ensure that the software on security cameras and tvs is up to date, that flaws which can be exploited and make information less secure are fixed, and that people are required to change default passwords on devices such as Wi-Fi modems.
Ms Andrews said measures were informed by the cyber security best practice regulation taskforce.
“Government and industry cannot face growing threats to cyber security alone and that is why our government is uplifting the cyber security of all Australians and Australian businesses,” she said.
In 2019, there were 16 million smart devices in Australian homes. But that figure is expected to double come 2024, with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating uptake.
An Australian Institute of Criminology report released last year revealed cybercrime cost the nation about $3.5bn in 2019.
Of that figure, victims lost about $1.9bn and recovered just $389m. About $1.4bn was spent on prevention costs, while a further $597m was spent dealing with the consequences of victimisation.
Ms Andrews also took aim at the opposition, saying Labor “don’t have a plan” to tackle the ballooning issue.
“Anthony Albanese’s budget reply speech didn’t mention the word ‘cybersecurity’ once, whereas the Morrison government backed in Australia’s digital future with almost $10bn of new funding for cyber security,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Household devices under the microscope with new cyber security standards
