As a specialist provider of positioning and wireless communication modules for IoT applications, Alpha Micro is committed to keeping its customers informed about relevant regulations and their potential impact. The recently enacted Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PTSI) Act in the UK introduces new cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of internet-connected products. This blog aims to provide a clear understanding of the Act and its potential implications for their businesses.
As a specialist provider of positioning and wireless communication modules for IoT applications, Alpha Micro is committed to keeping its customers informed about relevant regulations and their potential impact. The recently enacted Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PTSI) Act in the UK introduces new cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of internet-connected products. This blog aims to provide a clear understanding of the Act and its potential implications for their businesses.
What is the PTSI Act?
The PTSI Act, which received Royal Assent in 2022 and will come into effect on 29th April 2024, aims to make consumer internet-connected devices more secure by setting mandatory cybersecurity standards. These standards cover various aspects of product security, including:
Design and development: Products must be designed and developed with security in mind, following best practices for risk management and vulnerability assessments.
Incident reporting: Manufacturers and distributors must report any identified security vulnerabilities to the authorities.
Software updates: Manufacturers must provide timely software updates to address vulnerabilities and patch security flaws.
Labelling: Products must be clearly labelled with information about their security features and limitations.
Who Does the PTSI Act Apply To?
This section could briefly explain that the PTSI Act targets:
Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce consumer connectable products (internet-connected devices), regardless of their location.
Importers: Businesses that import such products into the UK market.
Distributors: Companies that sell or supply these products within the UK, even if they don't directly import them.
What should you do?
While the full impact of the PTSI Act is still unfolding, manufacturers, importers and distributors in the UK are encouraged to take the following steps:
Stay informed: Regularly check for updates and guidance from the UK government and relevant regulatory bodies on the implementation of the PTSI Act.
Conduct a gap analysis: Assess your current products, processes, and practices against the Act's requirements to identify any gaps that need to be addressed.
Seek professional advice: If needed, consult with legal or security experts to ensure your compliance with the Act's regulations.
How does the PTSI Act affect u-blox customers?
If you are a u-blox customer in the UK who manufactures, imports, or distributes internet-connected products, the PTSI Act may apply to you. It is important to carefully review the Act's requirements and assess how they impact your specific products and business practices. Some potential areas of impact include:
Product design and development: You may need to review your product design and development processes to ensure they comply with the Act's security standards. This might involve implementing new security measures or conducting additional testing.
Incident reporting: You will need to have procedures in place to identify and report any security vulnerabilities in your products to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Software updates: You may be required to provide more frequent software updates to your products to address vulnerabilities and patch security flaws.
Labelling: You may need to update your product labelling to include information about their security features and limitations, as mandated by the Act.
How working with u-blox ensures total security.
Compliant products: We actively stay ahead of evolving regulations like the UK's PTSI Act and the EU's cybersecurity requirements for cellular IoT. Our products are designed and developed to meet the highest security standards, giving you peace of mind and ensuring compliance.
Built-in security features: Our modules come equipped with robust security features like secure boot, encryption, and secure communication protocols. This layered approach safeguards your devices against potential threats, both now and in the future.
Commitment to continuous improvement: We are dedicated to continuous research and development, constantly innovating and improving our security measures. This ensures that your devices remain protected as the security landscape evolves.
Expert support: Our team of security experts is readily available to provide guidance, answer your questions, and advise in implementing the best security practices for your specific needs.
Conclusion: Navigating a Secure Future with u-blox
The evolving regulatory landscape around cybersecurity emphasises the growing importance of securing our connected devices. Both the UK's PTSI Act and the EU's new cybersecurity regulations for cellular IoT modules represent significant steps towards this goal.
U-blox, via Alpha Micro are committed to staying ahead of these regulations and ensuring our products comply with the highest security standards.
Whether you are a customer in the UK navigating the PTSI Act or a developer across the EU working with cellular IoT, we understand the challenges and complexities involved. We are here to support you with compliant, secure, and future-proof solutions.
Together, let's build a more secure and connected world.
