DTG and Connect Devices create Smart TV cyber security scheme

DTG & Connect Devices Create New Government-Funded Smart TV Cyber Security Scheme

LONDON — The DTG (Digital TV Group), the centre of UK digital TV, in partnership with Connect Devices, is working on a cyber security certification scheme for smart TVs after being awarded Government funding under the Grant Programme for Consumer IoT Assurance Schemes.

Following the recent Government cyber security legislation proposal, DTG Testing in partnership with Connect Devices, has secured funding for the preparation and launch of a cyber security certification scheme for smart connected products, known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The certification will support consumer-facing logos and will be awarded to products that meet the relevant security requirements.

DTG has been working closely with TV manufacturers from its membership and DCMS to ensure that any legislation introduced considers the needs of the TV industry. Connect Devices has been working with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) since 2017 and has developed a consumer IoT security platform that automatically detects vulnerabilities in devices.

The certification scheme will support consumers by providing confidence that best-practice cyber security has been met for products displaying the certification logo. Additionally, it will provide a mechanism for IoT manufacturers to stay ahead of legislative requirements in an affordable and accessible way.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “This funding will help create a scheme to improve the security of smart devices and boost our burgeoning digital economy while protecting people online.

“We want everyone to have confidence that the internet-connected TVs they are buying have stronger security and assure retailers the products they are stocking meet key cyber security requirements.”

Alex Buchan, Strategic Technologist at the DTG, said: “Smart TVs are commonplace in today’s homes and as such, they have to be upheld by the highest standards of cyber security. The DTG, in collaboration with industry, specify and test the requirements for every TV sold in the UK- the D-Book, and include these in our DTG TV Collection, which represents 95% of the free-to-air market. This expertise and experience of the smart TV industry combined with the cyber security certification scheme will provide a building block to a culture of cyber security awareness benefiting consumers, retailers and manufacturers alike.”

Jonathan Marshall, Founder at Connect Devices, said: “Connect Devices are thrilled to be collaborating with DTG, bringing together security and TV industry expertise to launch the critical technical standards for IoT TV devices that will benefit consumers, retailers, and manufacturers.”