Australia Introduces Code of Practice for the Manufacture of IoT Devices

The Australian government has published voluntary best practice guidelines to help device manufacturers, IoT service providers and app developers improve the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Developed jointly by the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC), the Code of Practice is described as the “first step in the Australian government’s approach to improve the security of IoT devices in Australia.”

It is expected there will be over 21 billion IoT devices connected to the internet by 2030, and the Australian government believes the new standards are necessary to “help raise awareness of security safeguards associated with IoT devices, build greater consumer confidence in IoT technology and allow Australia to reap the benefits of greater IoT adoption.”

IoT devices encompass an increasing number of everyday home items, such as smart TVs, security cameras and baby monitors. Yet there have been numerous concerns raised over potential security threats to these devices, such as hacking. For example, last month, a team of IBM hackers discovered a vulnerability in a component used in millions of IoT devices and in June an investigation by Which? found that more than 100,000 indoor security cameras across UK homes and businesses may have critical security flaws that make them vulnerable to hacking.

The new code outlines 13 principles for domestic and international IoT manufacturers to follow, with the Australian government recommending that the first three are prioritized. These are to ensure there are no duplicated or weak passwords, implement a vulnerability disclosure policy and keep software se ..

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