Technology

New cyber laws to protect people’s personal tech from hackers

Consumers will be better protected from attacks by hackers on their phones, tablets, smart TVs, fitness trackers and other internet-connectable devices thanks to a new world-leading law introduced by the government.

The new law will require manufacturers, importers and distributors of digital tech which connects to the internet or other products to make sure they meet tough new cyber security standards - with heavy fines for those who fail to comply.

The Product Security and Telecommunications

Infrastructure Bill (PSTI) allows the government to ban universal default passwords, force firms to be transparent to customers about what they are doing to fix security flaws in connectable products and create a better public reporting system for vulnerabilities found in those products. The Bill will also speed up the roll-out of faster and more reliable broadband and mobile networks by making it easier for operators to upgrade and share infrastructure. The reforms will encourage quicker and more collaborative negotiations with landowners hosting the equipment, to reduce instances of lengthy court action which are holding up improvements in digital connectivity. Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure Julia Lopez said: “Every day hackers attempt to break into people’s smart devices. Most of us assume if a product is for sale, it’s safe and secure. Yet many are not, putting too many of us at risk of fraud and theft. Our Bill will put a firewall around everyday tech from phones and thermostats to dishwashers, baby monitors and doorbells, and see huge fines for those who fall foul of tough new security standards.” Currently the makers of digital tech products must comply with rules to stop them causing people physical harm from issues such as overheating, sharp components or electric shock. But until now, there has been no regulation to protect consumers from harm caused by cyber breaches, which can include fraud and theft of personal data. The Bill applies to ‘connectable’ products, which includes all devices that can access the internet - such as smartphones, smart TVs, games consoles, security cameras and alarm systems, smart toys and baby monitors, smart home hubs and voice-activated assistants and smart home appliances such as washing machines and fridges. It also applies to products that can connect to multiple other devices but not directly to the internet. Examples include smart light bulbs, smart thermostats and wearable fitness trackers.

Research into

ageing blasts off

Scientists at the University of Liverpool, funded by the UK Space Agency, are using space to understand what happens to human muscles as we age, and why.

When astronauts spend time in space, without the effects of gravity, their muscles get weaker, just as they do in older age, before recovering when they return to Earth. By studying what happens to muscle tissue in space, the team can compare the findings to what happens on Earth. It is hoped that this will help the solve the puzzle of why muscles get weaker as we age and look at ways to prevent it.

Zuma offers immersive experience in the home

A unique hardware and software product that has reinvented the way sound and light can be experienced in the home has been launched by a British company with international investment.

Zuma has created a compact, highperformance loudspeaker with a low energy LED light, all housed in a ceiling light fixture. It offers a virtually invisible, wireless and clutter free audio experience that combines circadian rhythm and mood lighting for users. Built into the Zuma app are a series of wellbeing features that enable users to play atmospheric soundscapes and combine them with sympathetic lighting tones. Users can select both music and the lighting to suit moods – either using voice (Alexa at launch) or via the app. The Lumisonic (speaker light) costs £375, while the Luminare (light only) is available for £125 (both excluding VAT) from www.zuma.ai