Statement of Intent regarding the security of the Internet of Things
Updated 23 October 2019
© Crown copyright 2019
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/five-country-ministerial-communique/statement-of-intent-regarding-the-security-of-the-internet-of-things
We, the Interior, Homeland Security and Public Safety Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States having met in London, United Kingdom on 29 to 31 July 2019 to discuss our common security challenges with regards to the Internet of Things (loT), and how we can best protect our citizens from cyber threats;
Acknowledge that the growth of network-connected devices, systems, and services comprising IoT creates immense opportunities and benefits for our society;
Acknowledge that the number of IoT devices is growing rapidly around the world and that many of these devices lack basic security features;
Acknowledge that vulnerabilities or compromised devices could have serious consequences for individuals, our economies and national security;
Acknowledge that the safety of our citizens and the security of our economies are paramount, and more needs to be done to protect them from risks posed by insecure IoT devices;
Acknowledge that the lack of security in loT devices is a global issue and that we need to work together to address this problem with common and consistent messaging;
Consider that the potential consequences of security flaws in IoT devices will be magnified in 5G environments; and
Expect manufacturers to develop consumer loT devices with security built in by design.
Therefore, the undersigned Five Eyes partner nations agree to:
1) Collaborate with respective industry and standards bodies to provide better protection to users by advocating that devices should be secured by design.
2) Actively seek out opportunities to enhance trust and raise awareness of security safeguards associated with loT devices in our respective nations.
a. Identify and engage industry partners who share Five Eyes’ goals to enhance the security ofloT.
b. Identify and engage likeminded nations to encourage international alignment on IoT security, unlocking innovation that builds a strong economy that works for everyone.
3) Share information with Five Eyes partners in a timely manner through appropriate channels and arrangements, consistent with international and domestic law, to aid in the overall improvement of loT security.
29 to 31 July 2019 London, United Kingdom
Signed by: The Honourable Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Australia; The Honourable Ralph Goodale MP, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Canada; The Honourable Andrew Little MP, Minister for Justice, New Zealand; The Right Honourable Priti Patel MP, Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, UK and The Honourable David Pekoske, Acting Deputy of Homeland Security, USA.
