EU agrees on protection for networked devices
Digitally networked devices such as private surveillance cameras or smart fridges are to be better protected against cyber attacks. Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on this in Brussels on Friday night.
The new rules will apply to all products that are directly or indirectly connected to another device or a network. In future, consumers are to be informed by manufacturers about the cyber security of their products. Manufacturers will have to submit a risk assessment. In addition, actively exploited vulnerabilities must be reported to the competent authorities.
The regulations are to take effect three years after the law comes into force so that manufacturers have enough time to implement the requirements. Parliament and the EU member states still have to approve the project, but this is considered a formality.
The EU's agreement aims to protect not only smart cameras but also networked devices like smart refrigerators from cyberattacks. Under these new regulations, manufacturers will need to inform consumers about the cyber security of their networked devices. Furthermore, manufacturers will be required to submit a risk assessment and report actively exploited vulnerabilities to the competent authorities.
Source: www.dpa.com
