Our homes are getting smarter, but are they secure?

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According to a Gartner report1, 78% of consumers don’t trust smart home technology.

Despite this, the uptake of smart and connected devices in the home has increased as consumers embrace the connected world. The average household across UK2 and USA3 markets own 20+ connected / smart devices. However, this extensive increase in connectivity has triggered a similar increase in cybersecurity attacks capitalizing on the vastly increased attack surface.

In the UK, government has seen consumer internet of things (IoT) security as a risk area for several years. In February 2022 regulation looks likely, with the 2nd reading in Parliament of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Bill. The PSTI Bill includes requirements for basic security controls for all consumer IoT products sold in the UK. Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries said:

“Whether it’s your phone, smart speaker or fitness tracker, it’s vital that these devices are kept secure from cyber criminals… We are legislating to protect people across the UK and keep pace with technology as it transforms our everyday lives.”

BSI has been supporting the UK and other governments in their efforts to increase protection for consumers to allow safe and secure adoption of digital technology. From providing input into policy, helping shape standards, thought leadership and increasing awareness, through to delivering trust in digital technologies through testing, evaluation and ultimately our IoT and Secure Digital Applications KitemarkTM schemes, BSI continues to drive excellence in IoT security.

Regulation is a key step in helping to eliminate the worst practices; whereas taking voluntary action such as certification to the BSI Kitemark for IoT goes beyond the basics, demonstrating best industry practice. In order to achieve Kitemark certification for IoT and Apps, products are put through a rigorous ongoing mix of product testing and auditing across the supplier organization. For a product to achieve the Kitemark, the product will have been proven to maintain the appropriate security and privacy controls throughout its intended life. Shoppers can therefore have increased confidence and trust in the safety and security of Kitemark certified smart IoT products.

IoT KitemarkTM certification – assuring digital trust

As the PSTI Bill gets its 2nd reading BSI congratulates its client, Xiaomi for achieving the IoT Kitemark for its AX3000 mesh router: the latest Xiaomi product to gain the Kitemark following certification of its security camera and Mi Home app in 2021. The increasing number of consumer products achieving IoT and Secure Digital Applications Kitemarks, particularly those providing key security and safety functions such as smart locks, cameras, doorbells, security systems, smoke detectors and routers, provides consumers with the opportunity to choose trusted, smart solutions to protect their homes and families. See more on EE News Europe.

Case studies on other companies who have achieved the prestigious Kitemark for IoT, including SALTO and P4, can be found here.

 Find out more about IoT and secure digital application testing, verification and certification in our informative document.