Delft University cybercrime experts have been drafted in to assess how consumer goods which are connected to the internet, such as smart doorbells or toys, can be best protected against hacking and viruses.

‘We expect 30 million pieces of apparatus to be connected to the internet by 2020,’ junior economic affairs minister Mona Keizers said. ‘Smart thermostats, fridges and tvs are all attractive to consumers and offer companies extra sources of income. But using them securely is not a given and could make people vulnerable and open to viruses or theft.’

The minister is funding the university to look into both new products and products which have already been hacked. The aim, she said, is to boost awareness and help manufacturers take steps to improve products which link to internet in a network known as the Internet of Things.

One in five people told a ministry research project that they had no idea how to make sure items such as lamps or toy and which are connected to the internet are secure.