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New law aims to protect devices from hackers

Speakers, fitness trackers and other internet-connected devices sold in the UK now have to meet new requirements.

The risks have ballooned in recent years as our houses have filled with more and more web-linked devices - from games consoles to fitness trackers, doorbells and even dishwashers, also sometimes referred to as the "internet of things". However, since their adoption there has also been a proliferation of reports of hackers taking over such devices to misuse them, sometimes filming or recording covertly, spying on people, or stealing personal data. Ken Munro a security researcher for Pen Test Partners a firm that carries out ethical hacking against smart devices, described the new law as "a step in the right direction".

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