Connected tech cybersecurity standards
Gaps in cybersecurity regimes for connected technology, particularly regarding network, storage, and cloud security standards.
55 items
6 sources
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#13 - Require providers to adopt network, storage, and cloud security standards for connected tech.
Improving cybersecurity of consumer connected devices is an important and positive step, but the proliferation of connected tech in enterprise settings and the gap in the regime regarding network, storage and cloud security still present likely attack vectors that will continue to allow devices to be compromised. The Government should close the gaps for both consumer and enterprise...
Matched on
terms: connected, cybersecurity, standard, tech
Committee recommendation
87match
#14 - Recommend successor Committee examine 5G Supply Chain Diversification, international standards, and technology rollout.
Should our successor Committee wish to examine the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure and domestic capability, we recommend it considers: • The implementation of the 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy, and relevant policy and technical developments since the then Committee’s report; • Examining the Government’s participation in international standards bodies for critical and emerging technologies; or • The rollout and...
Matched on
terms: standard, tech
Committee recommendation
80match
#11 - Produce an implementation plan and commit to codifying remaining IoT security guidelines.
The introduction of the product security regime, which codifies three of the original thirteen guidelines set out in the Government’s internationally recognised 2018 Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security, is an important first step in improving cybersecurity for connected devices. However, the remaining ten guidelines retain considerable support among stakeholders. We recommend that the Office for Product...
Matched on
terms: connected, cybersecurity, standard, tech
Committee recommendation
73match
#14 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
The Government should align its strategy for diversifying the 5G vendor market with its support for rolling out 5G network coverage. Wherever the Government provides funds for expanding 5G coverage, it should look for opportunities to simultaneously support vendor diversification, for example by requiring the use of open standards. The Government should identify opportunities to support new market...
Matched on
terms: standard, tech
Committee recommendation
68match
#18 - Nineteenth Report - Protecting consumers from unsafe products
The OPSS estimated that 15% of products bought for the home now include ‘smart’ technology. Products that are connected to the internet create new product safety risks, such as cyber-security risks in the example of a baby monitor which could be subject to hacking. The Department and OPSS recognised such risks, but also noted the opportunities presented by...
Matched on
terms: connected, tech
Committee recommendation
65match
#18 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
Of Ofcom’s two principal duties, it has appeared to have given less prominence to “further[ing] the interests of citizens in relation to communications matters” than it has to “further[ing] the interests of consumers”. Ofcom must ensure that it pursues both of its principal duties and guarantees the security of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure as well as furthering the...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
62match
#26 - Balance digital trade and AI growth with strong protections for UK standards and industries.
Looking ahead, future commitments in the potential Economic Prosperity Deal must balance opportunities for growth in digital trade, AI, and services with strong protections for UK standards, tax sovereignty, and critical domestic industries. (Recommendation, Paragraph 141) 56
Matched on
terms: standard
PFD report
61match
Abdul Oryakhel
There is a lack of understanding regarding the dangers of e-bike/e-scooter lithium-ion batteries and chargers, coupled with an absence of British or European safety standards.
Matched on
terms: standard
Committee recommendation
60match
#19 - Nineteenth Report - Protecting consumers from unsafe products
The regulatory system for product safety is facing multiple new challenges that it will need the skills and resources to be able to respond to. For example: the OPSS and Trading Standards services will need to give greater consideration to how they regulate safety risks arising from product software and changing technology; there are new regulatory 29 Q...
Matched on
terms: standard, tech
PFD report
57match
Mizanur Rahman
A lack of British or European safety standards for lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers allows unsafe products to be sold and mixed, causing fires, thermal runaway, and multiple deaths.
Matched on
terms: standard
PFD report
57match
Bobby Lee
A significant rise in fires from faulty e-bike/e-scooter lithium-ion batteries and unsuitable chargers, often from inferior conversion kits and unregulated online sales, highlights the lack of specific safety standards.
Matched on
terms: standard
Committee recommendation
56match
#11 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
In addition to conducting security testing and validation, the Government should ensure that the research and testing facilities established through the diversification strategy also drive market diversification by stimulating collaboration and supporting the development and commercialisation of new technologies. (Paragraph 49) 50 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
55match
#12 - Work with OPSS to promote data protection and security guidelines for IoT devices.
As the guidelines set out in the 2018 Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security imply, cybersecurity and data protection are mutually reinforcing. Without cybersecurity, data cannot be meaningfully protected, while data protection can manage the risk and impact of cyberattack. The Information Commissioner’s Office, either bilaterally or through the Digital Regulation Co-operation Forum, which helps co-ordinate regulation...
Matched on
terms: cybersecurity, standard
Committee recommendation
53match
#21 - Strike balance in digital trade to promote AI while safeguarding UK sovereign capabilities.
Any future digital trade provisions negotiated under the Economic Prosperity Deal should strike a careful balance: promoting AI adoption and cross-border collaboration to strengthen the Western technological 55 alliance, while safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair taxation, and enabling the development of sovereign UK AI capabilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
52match
#15 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
The Government identified the concentration of intellectual property rights in the hands of established vendors as a barrier to market entry. It commits in its diversification strategy to working with industry bodies to address this, although the proposed work is not described in great detail. In its response to this Report, the Government should provide more details on...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
52match
#16 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
Long-standing factors have driven consolidation in the telecommunications vendor market over many years, so it is critical that the Government adopts measures to maintain market diversity as well as to drive the initial diversification. Network operators will be integral to achieving both aims. Although operators stand to benefit from a more diverse vendor market, it may not be...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
52match
#5 - Ensure suppliers prioritise replacing faulty smart meters and deploy future-proofed technology.
Too many smart meters are not fully functioning and millions more will be impacted when the 2G and 3G mobile communication networks close. In March 2023, around 3 million (9%) of smart meters were not working properly in total. Of these, 1.6 million are “transitory” issues according to the Department, but the remainder were faulty, and either not...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
51match
#17 - Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Government needs to act as a consolidator and facilitator to draw together disparate approaches to cybersecurity in the maritime sector. The 2017 Cyber Security Code of Practice for Ships should be updated as soon as possible. The Government should use its influence at the International Maritime Organization to set the agenda for minimum international cybersecurity standards.
Matched on
terms: cybersecurity, standard
Committee recommendation
49match
#31 - HMRC acknowledges security concerns with third-party Making Tax Digital software, setting strict specifications.
We asked HMRC whether there were potential security concerns that could be posed by the third–party MTD software taxpayers use to submit their tax returns, including whether there were risks to HMRC’s own systems.63 In written evidence provided after our evidence session, HMRC told us it takes security very seriously. It said all data sent to HMRC systems...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
48match
#31 - Ensure government-provided education devices receive regular software updates for security and reduced e-waste
Since the pandemic, the Government has provided over 1.35 million laptops and tablets to schools, trusts, local authorities and further education providers for disadvantaged children and young people. Edtech has more malware than all other sectors combined, and therefore it is essential that these devices receive software updates and renewals regularly in order to keep them secure for...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
48match
#12 - Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
Testing facilities do not need to be situated in one physical location. The Government should ensure that any new testing facilities complement existing facilities, and are designed with potential developments in 5G technology in mind to guard against future redundancy.
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
48match
#7 - Connected vehicles pose new complex challenges for safety, data access, and legal liability.
Connected vehicles pose new dangers, which the law must evolve to meet. A safety- led culture will require wide access to data, and this must be a higher priority than commercial confidentiality. Ensuring self-driving vehicles are roadworthy will be more complicated than for conventional vehicles, not least because there is more that can go wrong. Legal liability also...
Matched on
terms: connected
Committee recommendation
47match
#14 - Nineteenth Report - Protecting consumers from unsafe products
Responding to the key challenges the regulatory system faces requires collaboration with other government departments. For example, the Department told us of its engagement with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regarding cyber- security threats in products that contain software. It also noted that it is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government...
Matched on
terms: standard
Committee recommendation
45match
#24 - HMRC’s legacy IT systems pose security, reliability, and cost risks.
HMRC explained that there are three key risks that arise from operating legacy systems: lower levels of security; lower reliability and resilience; and higher costs of system changes. HMRC said that its executive team and its digital team track how up to date its systems are and how that is changing over time. HMRC told us that it...
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
45match
Long Lartin (2023)
Security. The current unreliable and faulty security systems pose a serious safety risk. Is high priority to be given to enable repairs and improvements?
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
43match
#12 - Educational apps lack quality standards and an evidence base, confusing parents.
There are over half a million apps claiming to be educational within leading app stores such as the Apple App Store and Google Play, but no quality standards for educational content or design features that apps must align with to be included in the educational category. As a consequence, parents have little to no confidence in being able...
Matched on
terms: standard
IMB annual report
43match
Kirkham (2022)
HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison, maintained a population of 470 against a capacity of 699 during 2022. The Board reported low levels of violence and no deaths in custody, commending staff efforts to re-establish a workable regime post-Covid. Key concerns included the persistent transfer of unsuitable prisoners, the urgent need for CCTV and in-cell technology upgrades,...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
41match
#36 - HMRC acknowledges legacy IT systems and poor data management hinder AI adoption and increase cyber risks.
We asked HMRC whether the age of some of its IT systems were going to make it more difficult to adopt AI. HMRC agreed and considers the “critical thing with AI is making sure you really have a handle on where your data is and that you are managing your data well.” 72 We also asked HMRC about...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#26 - Prioritise introducing secure digital channels for customers to submit files and messages.
Last year HMRC acknowledged that is behind many other organisations in enabling customers to communicate securely through digital channels. In 2022–23, approximately 70% of the 22 million items of correspondence HMRC received came in through the post. In January 2025 we therefore recommended that as part of its digital roadmap HMRC should prioritise introducing systems for customers to...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
39match
#18 - 12th Report – Menstrual health of girls and young women
The Government should set out in the renewed Women’s Health Strategy a rigorous approach to tackling the risks from ineffective, unsafe and exploitative for-profit FemTech apps. To combat demand for these apps the Government must increase resourcing of the NHS’s Innovation, Research and Life Sciences team, to drive forward NHS provision of digital tools. The strategy should set...
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
39match
#19 - One point four million smart meters lost communication; replacement incentives for suppliers are weak.
According to the Department and Energy UK, the third category included around 1.4 million meters that were working at the point of installation but had since lost communication.59 This includes first generation meters, known as SMETS1, that needed to be ‘enrolled’ (in effect, connected) to the central data and communication platform infrastructure to continue functioning when consumers switch...
Matched on
terms: connected
Committee recommendation
35match
#14 - Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
There is a fine balance that needs to be struck when it comes to regulating for smart shipping and autonomous vessels. It is important that innovation is able to flourish whilst ensuring that safety standards are maintained and that there is a measure of certainty to guide investment. Leadership and coordination—of the kind promised by the proposed Centre...
Matched on
terms: standard
IMB recommendation
34match
Stafford (2022)
The need to introduce modern in-cell phone technology (fixed or mobile)
Matched on
terms: tech
IMB recommendation
30match
Deerbolt (2020)
The Minister should agree that the use of video-links for visits and funerals has shown benefits, and that it would be worth trying to develop these techniques with the best of modern technology for regular use in future, albeit not replacing all face-to-face visits, or funeral attendance.
Matched on
terms: tech
Committee recommendation
27match
#32 - Set out funding, renewal, and disposal strategies for government-provided school digital devices.
Digital devices provided to schools by the Government must be maintained and kept secure through regular renewals and software updates. The Department for Education must set out a funding and renewal strategy for device management alongside a strategy for disposing of digital hardware that is no longer fit for purpose within the first year of the new Parliament....
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
27match
#21 - Seven million smart meter communication hubs require replacement by 2033 due to network closures.
The Department also estimates that 7 million communications hubs (a modular component of the smart meter set) will need to be replaced in the South and Central regions ahead of 2033, when 2G and 3G communications networks are closed. These will be replaced with an equivalent module which communicates using the 4G network.67 The Department told us that...
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
27match
Low Newton (2021)
Are more handsets needed to allow more staff to access prisoners via the in-cell phones? This contact seems to have been particularly beneficial during lockdown.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
26match
#10 - Allow Ofcom to de-designate legacy devices from prominence provisions based on public usage.
It is in the interests of both Public Service Broadcasters and platforms that the Media Bill enables legacy devices to be exempted from requirements, given the technical hurdles involved. However, it is important that any exemption is not exploited. Allowing Ofcom to exempt certain previously designated devices on legacy grounds would address the overall issue, providing that it...
Matched on
terms: tech
IMB recommendation
23match
Grendon (2021)
Is there a date for Grendon to have in-cell telephony installed (see 7.5.2)?
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
23match
Hollesley Bay (2024)
The Board asks if there any plans to introduce in-cell telephony at Hollesley Bay.
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
23match
Wormwood Scrubs (2025)
Prisoners using in-cell phones experience frequent breakdowns, long waits for repairs and call costs far higher than those in the community. What will the Prison Service do to improve this?
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
22match
#13 - Solutions being explored for smart meter 'not-spots' in hundreds of thousands of homes
The Department told us that the Data and Communications Company, the central communications and data platform that provides the network ecosystem for smart meters, is looking into options for ‘not-spots’ which the Department considers applies to only 0.75% of homes.42 These ‘few hundred thousand homes’ sit outside the ‘wide area network’ of coverage across Great Britain for smart...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
18match
#8 - Lead efforts to resolve policy issues for safe deployment of self-driving vehicles by 2025.
The Government has put good structures in place, but it is not enough just to participate in or facilitate conversations about unresolved policy issues, including access to data, verifying roadworthiness, legal liability and insurance implications. If self-driving vehicles are to be deployed on our roads by 2025, safely and successfully, the Government must take the lead to resolve...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
18match
#17 - Nine percent of installed smart meters, totalling three million, were not working properly.
As at March 2023, 3 million smart meters were not working properly; which means that these meters were either not sending energy use information to suppliers or not displaying this information to consumers, or both. This equated to 9% of the 32.4 million smart meters installed.56 Keeping smart meters working as intended is generally more complex than traditional...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
18match
#14 - Inadequate digital literacy curriculum structure and teacher support negatively impact children's skills.
We welcome the inclusion of digital literacy in the curriculum. However, the curriculum is not structured well enough to keep children safe online. Digital literacy is split across numerous subjects with different focuses and teachers. Teachers must grapple with a topic that is constantly evolving and comprehend numerous guidance documents provided by the Government while often having no...
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
18match
Thorn Cross (2021)
It is imperative to ensure that the learning from the positive use of mobile phones is not lost and that this temporary measure becomes a permanent feature of the open estate.
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
18match
Parc (2021)
It was identified that a proportion of prisoners were positive about the Purple Visits service, and it is hoped that this will continue to be fully funded, with improved software to avoid random disconnections in the service.
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
18match
Bure (2021)
Will HMPPS make funding available to the prison to enable prisoners to have access to in-cell telephony?
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
14match
#25 - First Report - Future of financial services regulation
There is a range of innovations taking place in payments systems and with alternative means of exchange, including crypto-assets, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies. These innovations could provide opportunities to address weaknesses in international payments systems and potentially to serve consumer needs, and in the case of central bank digital currency to safeguard monetary sovereignty. Future of...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
14match
#56 - Bilateral cooperation frameworks and agreements with South Korea and Singapore welcomed
We also welcome the signing of the UK-Republic of Korea bilateral framework of cooperation in June 2022 and the July 2022 data adequacy agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Korea, as well as the February 2022 Digital Economy Agreement between the UK and Singapore.
Matched on
classifier match