New Laws in the UK to Protect Consumers from Cyber Criminals

• Ban on Easily Guessable Passwords: Manufacturers will no longer be able to ship devices with weak default passwords like “admin123” or “password”. This will make it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorised access to devices.
• Disclosure of Security Vulnerabilities: Companies will be required to disclose known security vulnerabilities in their devices to consumers. This will allow consumers to make informed decisions about device purchases and also aid in ensuring they take steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
• Minimum Security Standards: The new laws will also set out minimum security standards that manufacturers must meet. These standards are likely to include requirements for things like strong password policies, regular security updates, and encryption of data.

While the UK’s announcement doesn’t explicitly address imported products, it’s highly likely that these new security regulations will apply to any internet-connected device sold in the UK market. This aligns with standard consumer protection practices and is necessary for effective enforcement. Overseas manufacturers will need to adjust their practices to comply with these standards to sell their products to UK customers.

• Impact on Businesses: The new laws may have some impact on businesses that manufacture or sell internet-connected devices. However, the government believes that the long-term benefits of improved cybersecurity outweigh the costs.
• Enforcement of the Laws: The effectiveness of these laws will depend on how they are enforced. The government will need to put in place a robust enforcement regime to ensure that manufacturers comply with the new standards.

Consumers can also take steps to protect themselves from cybercrime. Here are a few tips:

• Change default passwords: As soon as you purchase a new device, be sure to change the default password to a strong, unique password.
• Enable security features: Many devices have built-in security features, such as firewalls and encryption. Enable these features to help protect your device.
• Keep software up to date: Regularly update the software on your devices to ensure that you have the latest security patches.
• Be careful about what you click on: Phishing emails and websites are a common way for hackers to gain access to devices. Be cautious about what links you click on and what information you share online.

Overall, the new laws are a positive step towards improving cybersecurity for consumers in the UK. These regulations will help to make smart devices safer and more secure, giving consumers greater confidence in the technology they use.

• Change Passwords: Immediately change your Ticketmaster password and any other accounts where you use the same or similar passwords.
• Monitor Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised activity. Consider setting up transaction alerts to notify you of any suspicious charges.
• Beware of Phishing: Be wary of any emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from Ticketmaster. Scammers may try to exploit the situation to steal your information.
• Sign Up for Credit Monitoring: If the breach included financial information, consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to help detect any fraudulent activity.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any suspicious activity on your accounts, report it immediately to the relevant financial institution or authorities.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help minimise the potential impact of this breach and protect yourself from further harm.