European standards body ETSI has released guidelines to enhance cyber security for consumer IoT devices.

In response to the growing concern over cyber security and data protection on the IoT landscape, ETSI has released a document – ETSI EN 303 645 V3.1.3 (2024-09) – outlining high-level security provisions for consumer IoT devices. As more household devices connect to the internet, safeguarding personal data has become a paramount issue for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The guidelines are designed to support stakeholders involved in the development and manufacturing of IoT devices, providing a flexible framework to innovate while ensuring a baseline level of security. The document emphasises outcome-focused provisions, steering clear of overly prescriptive measures, allowing organisations the freedom to tailor security for specific products.

“Consumers are increasingly dependent on connected devices for secure transactions, making it crucial for manufacturers to earn that trust, prioritising security by design”, said Jan Ellsberger, director general of ETSI. “These guidelines aim to address the most significant vulnerabilities and I am confident that they help create a safer IoT ecosystem, so long as we remain vigilant, knowing full well that this work is never done.”

Features of the document include:

• Baseline provisions: Establishing fundamental security requirements applicable to all consumer IoT devices.
• Implementation guidance: Providing organisations with clear examples and explanatory text on how to apply the provisions.
• GDPR compliance: Ensuring IoT devices processing personal data align with General Data Protection Regulation standards.
• Futureproofing: Anticipating that future revisions will transition current recommendations into mandatory provisions.

The document encompasses a wide array of consumer IoT devices, including smart home assistants, connected appliances and health trackers. It also considers the resource constraints that these devices may face, such as limited processing power and energy supply.

ETSI emphasises that while these guidelines will significantly enhance security measures for consumer IoT devices, they are not a panacea for all cyber-security problems. As the landscape of consumer IoT continues to evolve, ETSI says it remains committed to collaborating with industry partners to refine these guidelines and ensure a safer, more secure experience for all users.

For more information on the guidelines and their implications for the future of consumer IoT, visit www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/303600_303699/303645/03.01.03_60/en_303645v030103p.pdf.

ETSI (www.etsi.org) provides its members with an open and inclusive environment to support the timely development, ratification and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT-enabled systems, applications and services across all sectors of industry and society. It is a not-for-profit body with more than 900 member organisations worldwide, drawn from 64 countries and five continents. Members comprise a diversified pool of large and small private companies, research entities, academia, government, and public organisations. ETSI is one of three bodies officially recognised by the EU as a European standards organisation.