One quick step to keep hackers out of your new tech
Families across the UK are being reminded to secure their new smart devices after Christmas, with the government warning that simple steps such as enabling 2-step verification could help prevent cyber criminals from accessing personal data.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have launched a festive reminder to take five minutes to set up security features on new tablets, smart watches and connected toys.
Research shows that 45% of UK adults planned to buy electronic devices for Christmas in 2024, making the festive period one of the busiest times for smart technology purchases.
Baroness Lloyd, Cyber Security Minister, said:“Smart devices can bring families closer at Christmas, whether it’s video calls with relatives or enjoying festive films and new gadgets.
Taking a moment to follow simple setup steps gives families peace of mind and lets them focus on making amazing Christmas memories.”
NCSC Director for National Resilience, Jonathon Ellison, added:“As you set up a smart device you received this Christmas, make sure it’s wrapped up in the essential security layers. Keeping your home and your information safe is the best present you can give yourself this year.”
Officials recommend switching on 2-step verification (2SV), creating strong passwords using three random words, enabling automatic updates, and checking privacy settings such as remote access and data collection.
Parents are also encouraged to use child accounts and parental controls for younger users.
The NCSC says the average UK household now has nine connected devices, and that these devices face an average of ten cyber-attacks every 24 hours. Around 1,736 threats are blocked every minute across UK networks.
Under the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulations, which came into force in April 2024, all smart devices sold in the UK must meet basic security standards, including not using easily guessable default passwords.
The government says combining these protections with simple festive security checks will help families enjoy a safer and more secure Christmas.
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