Government announces grant to test cybersecurity of smart devices

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has announced new funding to assess the cyber security of office products connected to the internet.

The products to be tested include smart printers, cameras and room booking systems.

Organisations will be able to apply for funding to support research into the cyber security of office devices to ensure they are properly protected against hackers.

These devices are known as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and are used by thousands of business to enable hybrid working.

The funding aims to uncover vulnerabilities and assess the cyber resilience of these products.

Smart devices can collect sensitive data which can be accessed by other users. This makes them a target for cyber criminals.

A successful bidder will be awarded up to £200,000 to test the devices and establish if current security measures and guidance, including international standards and NCSC device security principles, are robust enough to protect businesses from evolving threats.

The grant is part of the government's National Cyber Strategy to protect the UK against cyber threats and grow the digital economy.

Cyber minister Julia Lopez said: "Technology played a pivotal role in keeping British businesses going during the pandemic, helping the pivot to hybrid working and boosting productivity ever since.

"This research will ensure we have the right measures in place to protect our economy and keep our offices and workers safe from cyber security threats."