The cyber risks to which consumers are exposed are underestimated by the EU, complains the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv). The European Commission's proposed regulation focuses on industry. The vzbv calls for the certification of smart home devices and wearables by independent testing bodies and broad controls. Consumers must be able to rely on the IT security of all digital services and connected devices and assert their rights.
Cybersecurity: New EU regulation is welcomed, but...
The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) welcomes the European Commission's proposal to set minimum requirements for the cybersecurity of digital products and connected devices. However, with regard to the needs of consumers, the draft falls far short of expectations. The vzbv calls for independent controls, longer update obligations for networked devices and higher fines for violations.
“Not only industry, but also consumers need to be protected from cyberattacks. It is incomprehensible why consumer cybersecurity has so far played little role in the debate and why risks are underestimated.” … “Connected everyday devices such as smartphones, vacuum robots and fitness bracelets must be secure – also with regard to cybersecurity. Consumers need to be confident that their data is protected and that not everyone can easily access their devices.”
Ramona Pop, board member of vzbv
Many gaps in the EU Commission's draft
The European Commission's proposed regulation stipulates that devices must have up-to-date protection against malware and be protected against simple attacks. However, so far the proposal does not ensure that minimum requirements are met. The vzbv demands that security requirements, particularly in sensitive areas, be checked by independent third parties and authorities. This includes use in private households, when dealing with children or health data.
The vzbv also criticizes the fact that important services such as cloud services are not regulated by the current draft. The goal must be to create a holistic level of security for all products. To do this, the entire life cycle of a product must be considered and security updates must be offered for the expected lifespan of a product.
“An update requirement of five years is not enough. “In particular, household appliances such as networked refrigerators or washing machines have a much longer lifespan.”
Ramona Pop, board member of vzbv
Enable law enforcement
Only with effective market surveillance, strict controls and dissuasive penalties can the requirements be effectively implemented in practice. Based on comparable digital legal acts, the vzbv requires that at least six percent of a company's global annual turnover be estimated as the maximum amount. In order to ensure a high level of protection for consumers, consumer protection organizations must also be able to take collective action against cybersecurity violations.
Downloads on the topic
Making consumer connected devices cybersecure
Summary of the vzbv | statement December 2022
Safeguarding the Cybersecurity of Connected Products
Statement from vzbv | December 2022
Source:
Federal Association of Consumer Organizations
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